UKinbound has announced John Penrose, UK minister for tourism and heritage, as the headline speaker at the annual UKinbound convention, illustrating the government’s emphasis on the tourism industry ahead of the Olympics. 

Taking place in Belfast February 1st-2nd, Penrose will share the government’s progress on its tourism strategy with major sector leaders from the inbound tourism field. 

Penrose (pictured above) is also expected to take part in a robust discussion on where tourism fits in the government’s agenda given the importance of export tourism to the British economy.

Mary Rance, chief executive, Ukinbound said: “We are delighted to have secured John Penrose as a speaker ahead of this year’s events.

“The Olympics will undoubtedly thrust Britain to the centre of the global stage so to hear what the government is doing to harness this potential and make Britain’s tourist industry flourish is vital.”

Penrose, scheduled to follow the plenary session on Thursday February 2nd, will join keynote speaker Scott Field, head of online travel at Google, Anthony Hilton, financial editor for the London Evening Standard, independent travel writer, Alison Rice and Brian Wisdom in what is a strong programme of speakers.

The BBC’s Bill Turnbull will moderate the panel debate when industry leaders will discuss predictions for inbound tourism in 2012 and beyond.

More than 180 delegates are expected to attend the convention which comes at a crucial time for the inbound travel sector as London prepares for the biggest sporting event in the world and the UK celebrates the Queen’s Jubilee.