Improving Tourism and Hospitality Skills. Held at Marriott Hotel City Centre, Liverpool

The hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism industries are worth approximately £85 billion to the UK economy. The National Skills Strategy set out an action plan for the industry to ensure it has the skills and infrastructure it needs to sustain its contribution to the UK’s economic prosperity. This conference looked at how together the skills sector, employers and tourist boards can deliver the Government’s priorities and support regional and national competitiveness. Leading speakers demonstrated how to ensure employees in the sector are equipped to give tourists a welcome experience, ensuring the visitor economy has a sustainable future. Delegates explored ways to address issues around recruitment and retention, promoting language learning and how to raise the bar to engage both employers and students.