News

SHEPWAY SUPPORTING BRA CONFERENCE

Tourism leaders from across the country will be in Shepway  next year when the council hosts the 2006 British Resorts’ Association (BRA) annual conference.

Shepway was chosen in 2003 after successfully bidding to host the event and the conference baton was handed over to the district at this year’s event in Blackpool in June.

The three-day conference will be held at the Leas Cliff Hall with delegates also being invited on study tours across the district to look at places of interest like the Creative Quarter, the Romney Marsh, the Lower Leas Coastal Park and Boulogne.

Cllr Carole Waters, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Tourism and Sport, said the district’s location as a gateway to Europe had helped clinch the bid to host the 2006 conference.

“We also highlighted everything that is going on to boost Shepway’s regeneration and the development of the Leas Cliff Hall as a conference venue.�

“Hosting the conference will be an opportunity to show off the virtues of the district and the Leas Cliff Hall as a regionally important conference venue. I hope everyone working in the tourism industry – from hoteliers to taxi-drivers will also benefit and work to ensure that our guests go home with a good impression of our district.�

The council’s Cabinet has agreed to allocate £15,000 to set up and manage the conference.