Vice Chairman update 21st February UKinbound and Visit Somerset alliance is formed

21st February 2012

A really constructive meeting was had yesterday between Visit Somerset and UK inbound (the official representation for all inbound tourism in the UK)

UKinbound is a trade association which represents the interests of the UK's inbound tourism sector.

It now has over 250 members, and continues to grow. They are one of the leading trade associations in the UK tourism industry and the only association to focus exclusively on the inbound tourism sector - the third largest export industry in terms of earnings for the UK. It is estimated that one in twelve full time jobs within the UK rely on tourism.

UKinbound represents a diverse membership including inbound tour operators, wholesalers and DMCS (Destination Management Companies), hoteliers and other accommodation providers, attractions, retailers, restaurateurs, transport providers and other suppliers who provide services for inbound tourists to the UK, both leisure and business travellers. All our members are based in the UK and their business is wholly, or to a significant extent, dependent on inbound tourism

Not only have Visit Somerset become members of UKinbound, but UKinbound are now co-ordinating with Visit Somerset and First Travel Solutions the second and biggest familiarisation trip that will be coming to Somerset on the 28th/29th and 30th of September.  

More information will be released during the International conference being held on the 13th April 2012, in Dunster regarding its development.  However I can tell you that over 80 domestic and international tour operators will be invited to the FAM trip helping Somerset to really show itself off.

Areas of interset already include for the FAM trip:

  • West Somerset Railway
  • Wookey Hole
  • Clarks Village
  • Dunster Castle
  • Wells Catherdral
  • Glastonbury Abbey
  • Bishops Palace, Wells.

John Turner the Vice Chairman has said, ' this heralds  a great and really important day for Somerset as the association and Visit Somerset become members and are associated with 'the' inbound toursim organisation in the UK. We are really delighted with all the opportunities that this is going to bring for Somerset and finally the fact that Somerset will begin to be recognised as a genuine international tourism destination.'