Winchester City Council's tourism team is organising a free event for anyone who owns or manages an accommodation business in the Winchester District.  The event takes place on Monday 22 January 2007 between 10am and 2pm at the Winchester Hotel in Worthy Lane.

It will be an occasion for discussion, information exchange and networking with fellow accommodation owners and city council staff.  National, regional and local speakers will be addressing hot topics for the sector, such as the imminent bed tax being put forward by the government, and the national smoking ban. The agenda includes practical workshops to help businesses with effective marketing ideas and new health and safety requirements.  There is also an opportunity to admire the stylish new décor of the recently refurbished Winchester Hotel which is generously sponsoring the meeting. 

Delegates from around the Winchester District have been signing up enthusiastically for the event, including representatives from hotels, B&B owners, self catering properties and camp sites. 

Winchester City Council's Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economy and Tourism, Cllr George Beckett, who will open the meeting, said, "Staying visitors are very important to the Winchester District as they contribute more to the local economy than day-trippers or those staying with friends and family.  For this reason we want to ensure that accommodation providers are kept up-to-date with the latest legislation, marketing ideas and technology to ensure that Winchester continues to offer an experience which can match - or exceed - any other destination in the country."

Event organiser Alison Woods, the city council's Tourist Information Centre Manager, added, "We believe there is a lot of confusion and anxiety about the new fire regulations so we are delighted to welcome Bob Turner from the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service as a speaker at our event.  He will explain the reasoning behind the new legislation, which came into force on 1 October 2006, and will give accommodation providers practical help in completing a fire risk assessment."

For further information, or to book your space, contact Linda Messingham, Tourism Marketing Assistant at Winchester City Council on 01962 848 311 or email lmessingham@winchester.gov.uk.