UKinbound has announced today that its annual Convention to be held in York from 3 – 5 February 2010 is set to attract record attendance from key players in the UK inbound tourism industry.

A total of 200 delegates representing 140 companies are registered. UKinbound’s membership   comprises companies based throughout the UK and Channel Islands for whom inbound tourism constitutes an important part of their business.

At the start of the election year, delegates can look forward to inspiring and lively debate during the Convention, which will focus on some key current issues relating to the UK inbound industry.

Topics to be covered will include; the continuing importance of the tourism industry to the UK national and regional economies; the need for inbound tourism to continue to be profiled proactively both at home and abroad; the implications of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games for the UK inbound tourism industry in 2012 and beyond, and the growing importance of new media to the inbound leisure tourism industry.

Keynote speakers include:

Gary Verity, Chief Executive, Welcome to Yorkshire

Digby Lord Jones of Birmingham

Rt.Hon. Margaret Hodge

Tobias Ellwood, MP, Conservative Shadow Minister for Tourism, Licensing and Gambling

Walter Dobrowolski, Managing Director, Sports Mark

Donna Taylor, Head of Accommodation, London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games

Patrick Hoffstetter, Managing Director, lastminute.com UK

Sandie Dawe, Chief Executive, VisitBritain

Helena Egan, Sales Director for Destination Marketing for Tripadvisor

Keith Beecham, Director of Overseas Network for VisitBritain

Mary Rance, Chief Executive of UKinbound said:

‘At a time of change and opportunity for the UK inbound industry, UKinbound recognises the importance of being at the forefront of political and industry debate and its key role in helping members develop new business ‘.

‘With an impressive line up of political and industry speakers as well as a packed programme of formal and informal business network opportunities we are delighted that both established companies and new players from across the broad spectrum of the UK inbound industry value this as an event not to be missed’.

Gary Verity, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire said:

‘We are delighted UKinbound chose Yorkshire as the destination for its 2010 Convention. This offers us a real opportunity to impress major decision makers. York is a perfect setting and I’m sure York Racecourse, the attractions, and hotels supporting the event will give all delegates a warm welcome to Yorkshire and create the impact we need to ensure the message gets out that Yorkshire is the place to be up to 2012 and beyond.’