Welcome to Tourism South East
Tourism South East (TSE) works with tourism businesses, including more than 2,000 members; local, regional and national government; and many other key organisations throughout the UK and internationally, to support the industry and promote the region.This site provides information, news, advice and contacts for tourism businesses and all organisations working in the sector.
If you can't find what you need please contact us
Latest News
The World Health Organisation (WHO) announced that the scientific criteria for an influenza pandemic has now been meet and has raised the alert to level 6. A disease is classed as a pandemic when transmission between humans becomes widespread in two regions of the world. Classifying the virus as a pandemic is an indication of the spread not the severity of the virus - it does not mean the virus is causing more severe illness or more deaths. There are now 30,000 confirmed cases of H1N1 in 74 countries.
The WHO believes that no previous pandemic has been detected so early nor been so closely and carefully watched. In the majority of cases, patients have shown mild symptoms and have recovered rapidly, often without treatment. They do not expect to see a dramatic increase in severity. However, to date most cases have been in developed countries and it is not clear how the virus will act in developing world. Guidance has been sent to Ministries of Health in all countries - in countries where there are no or few cases, they are advised to remain vigilant; in countries where there are many cases, the focus should be on treatment - testing should be kept to a minimum as this is resource intensive.
Transmission of this virus is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal 'flu. The infection can be effectively treated with antiviral medication. Most reported cases outside of Mexico have been mild and people have recovered fully after treatment.
In the UK, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) is monitoring this situation closely. When cases of swine 'flu are suspected the HPA works with NHS colleagues and patients to collect samples, conduct testing and provide advice on medication and other public health activities.
Further advice is available on the Health Protection Agency's website:
http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1244617876260?p=1231252394302
The WHO were clear in their recommendations that there should be no closing of borders, no restrictions on travel and no trade banned. As Governments are not necessarily obliged to follow these recommendations, VisitBritain will be monitoring via their overseas offices for travel advisories.
We have now launched the Tourism ExSEllence Awards 2009 campaign. To learn more about the awards, click on www.getdiscovered2009.co.uk where you can view the criteria and enter on-line.
In response to the UK’s ageing population, VisitEngland recently launched ‘One step ahead’, the standard to help accommodation businesses meet the needs of older and less mobile guests.
For more information, click here
Mike Bedingfield has been appointed as Chief Executive of Tourism South East.
Mike was the Marketing Director of VisitBritain, where he had undertaken various marketing roles since 2003, responsible for developing the England brand domestically and the Britain brand internationally, as well as implementing a marketing strategy to increase visitor spend in Britain.
Mike has substantial experience of the tourism sector, including former roles with P&O Cruises, Avis and Thomas Cook, prior to his role at VisitBritain. This experience will be invaluable to TSE as we work to ensure that the region's tourism industry can survive and indeed prosper in the current economic climate, and create a strong platform to take full advantage of the opportunities to come, especially in the run up to the 2012 Games.
Growing up in Hampshire and Sussex, Mike is a local man who is passionate about the region. He is keen to work closely with our members and partners to develop our tourism offer and make the most of the potential he sees, both long and short-term.
Mike replaced Bob Collier who had been the Managing Director since the formation of TSE from the merger of the Southern and South East England Tourist Boards in 2003. Bob has left the legacy of a strong, talented and effective organisation that has delivered for tourism across the South East. We all thank him for his achievements and wish him well as he takes up his new role as Chief Executive of the Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce.
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Winning in Recession...turning adversity into opportunity
Tuesday 24 March 2009
The Royal Marines Museum, Southsea, Hampshire
In these times of economic uncertainty, with media grabbing headlines such as 'credit crunch', 'recession' and 'global meltdown' members attending the conference were keen to hear from key industry professionals. Through a series of keynote speeches, practical clinics, advice sessions and networking opportunities the silver lining in the economic cloud came clear, finding practical ways to move forward.
Click here to view the presentations and learn more about the conference
The new chairman, John Williams, has been busy in his first three months, getting around the region, meeting tourism businesses and public sector partners. Here is a list of John's engagements to date.
A new independent assessment of TSE's performance during the period 2003 to 2008: ‘Evaluation of SEEDA’s investment in Tourism South East 2003/4 to 2007/8’ from WM Enterprise (WME), shows an excellent performance against targets, and the contribution to GVA from TSE.
The report confirms that TSE is doing the right things, and doing them well.
For Further information click here
Williams F1 Conference Centre
Grove
Oxfordshire
Thursday 18 September 2008
Whether you are an event organiser or a tourism business 'The Main Event' focused on how to leverage local benefits from such opportunities. Unique cultural traditions, community celebrations, events and festivals characterise much of the South East and they make an important contribution to the local tourism economy. The region already stages some of the most prestigious examples and is well placed to capitalise on future opportunities.Industry speakers provided inspirational stories of their own experiences and gave practical advice on delivering events as well as tips on how you could maximise the benefit for your own business.Click on the relevant links to view the presentations
Keren Jones - South East Cultural, Creative and Visitor Economies
Caterina Loriggio - The Cultural Olympiad in the South East
Stuart Vause - Winchester Cathedral Enterprises
Elaine Rust - Winchester City Council
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The launch of On Your Marks... Get Set... Go! 2012 Visitor Economy Strategy Ascot Racecourse
26 March 2008
The strategy highlights how the South East can maximise the benefits of the 2012 Olympics & Paralympic Games. Read more about On Your Marks... Get Set... Go!
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'Guide to Sustainable Tourism for Dummies'®A free new resource to encourage the tourism industry to 'go greener' is now available with the publication of the first ever 'Guide to Sustainable Tourism for Dummies'®, part of the Dummies'® series of easy-to-use guidance books from publishers Wiley.
Follow this link for more information
To download a copy follow this link