UKinbound, the only trade association representing the interests of the UK’s inbound tourism sector, has announced that Virgin Atlantic’s Chief Commercial Officer Julie Southern will be the keynote speaker at the 2013 Annual Convention taking place in Windsor, 6 – 8 February.  Adding further to the prestigious speaker line up already announced - including conservativehome.com editor Tim Montgomerie and Chef Raymond Blanc - will be Deloitte’s Global leader of Aviation and Travel Graham Pickett.  Bill Turnbull, of BBC Breakfast fame, will moderate the conference.

Julie Southern joined Virgin Atlantic in 2000 as Finance Director rising to her current position in 2010 and she has steered the airline through the various economic challenges faced by the industry, from 9/11 to the global recession in 2009 and everything in between.

Graham Pickett has been a partner in Deloitte UK for the last twenty one years and has national responsibility for the travel, hospitality and leisure industry sectors. Graham is involved with all of the UK firm’s major clients in the industry, including the majority of the UK’s major airlines, airports and travel businesses.

Over 200 delegates will gather in Windsor to participate in workshops and plenary sessions and hear speakers debate the issues of the day.

UKinbound Chief Executive, Mary Rance, said: “The line-up of high profile, impressive speakers keen to address the UKinbound members at our ‘After the Gold Rush’ themed conference, is indicative of the importance placed on inbound tourism as an important contributor to the UK economy.  I am delighted that our members are held in such high regard and also very pleased that they will be able to enjoy such stimulating, interesting convention content.”

“The Convention promises to be a pivotal forum in which to discuss the future of the inbound tourism industry, looking at opportunities and potential obstacles that could impact upon visitor numbers in 2013 and beyond.”