Technology giant Google is fielding its UK & Ireland Head of Online Travel, Scott Field, as the headline speaker at this year’s UKinbound Convention to be held in Belfast 1st and 2nd February.

Google, who will be presenting on the future of technology and how it will impact overseas consumer purchasing behaviour in buying travel to the UK, head up a strong programme of speakers. Brian Wisdom of the Sector Skills Council for Travel and Tourism will be talking through the “Welcome Host” programme – designed to improve the UK’s hospitality skills on the run up to the Golden Jubilee and The 2012 London Olympics.

Other speakers include Anthony Hilton, Financial Editor of the London Evening Standard talking on the economic impact of overseas developments on the inbound tourism market.  Independent’s travel writer, Alison Rice, will talk through consumer perceptions of the UK and its hospitality, attractions and infrastructure.

The conference is expecting in excess of 180 delegates from every corner of the Inbound market in what Mary Rance, Chief Executive, UKinbound described as “one of the most important conventions in the history of UKinbound”.

“Technology, and how our customers use it, is becoming an extremely important part of the travel purchase, and indeed travel experience and UKinbound members need to be aware of the opportunities and threats it offers. Google are at the forefront of developments in the search, mobile and social media areas and Scott Field will illustrate how the inbound sector can harness technology to offer a better customer service”

BBC Breakfast host, Bill Turnbull, is the moderator for the main stage business sessions and there is also a full set of business sessions focused on specific topics ranging from staff training and Public Relations management to legal issues.