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.
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Latest News
New Chairman for Tourism South East
Following an outstanding 6 years as Chairman Nigel Walmsley steps down at the end of March 2009 when his term is complete. The Board of Tourism South East (TSE) is delighted to advise members that a search for his successor has been very successful and can announce the appointment of John Williams as the new Chair of the Board and Regional Tourism Council from April 2009.
Bill Ferris (Chatham Historic Dockyard), Board member and Vice Chair of the TSE Regional Tourism Council, who has led the Recruitment Panel, said:
“We are delighted to announce the appointment of John Williams as the new Chair of TSE. John brings with him substantial experience in the commercial sector of communications and marketing, together with valuable knowledge of the public and not-for-profit sectors. The board of TSE look forward to working with him to build on the current strong foundations, and recruit a new Chief Executive to replace Bob Collier, who leaves TSE next Spring after 6 years at the helm. We have already had a strong response to the advertisement in last week's Sunday Times”
John has a professional background in advertising, marketing and public relations, together with experience of chairing a diverse range of organisations and committees covering the public, private and not-for-profit sector. He is co-founder and former Chairman of Fishburn Hedges, one of the UK’s leading public relations agencies.
He is also Chair of Richmond Theatre Productions and the think tank Tomorrow’s Company; and a non-executive Board member of The Charity Commission and Business in the Community
John Williams said:
“I am honoured to take up the challenge of championing tourism in the South East. It is a difficult time for our members and partners, but the South East offers a unique breadth of venues, experiences and hospitality and with the expertise and energy in Tourism South East, we can help the region succeed. The team at TSE have just completed planning for the next two years, and the organisation is in great shape to support the industry. ”
John Williams will take over from the current Chair of TSE, Nigel Walmsley, who completes his second three-year term of office in March 2009.
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
Forthcoming Board Changes at Tourism South East
“Tourism South East (TSE) announces that Robert Collier will be leaving his post as Managing Director in the Spring of next year to take up a new appointment. Chairman, Nigel Walmsley, said “We wish Bob all success in his new job. His six years at TSE have been a period of considerable achievement. He has led a programme of change and development which has greatly strengthened our role in supporting tourism in the South East”.
The Board is putting in place arrangements to recruit a successor and will make a further announcement in due course.
Robert Collier said “Tourism is a key component of the vibrant South East economy, and it has been my pleasure and privilege to work with colleagues from Tourism South East, TSE members, SEEDA, local authorities and other partners to deliver first class support to the sector. I have enjoyed my time with TSE immensely and thank everybody for their support and encouragement.”
For further information please telephone Cathy Walker on 023 8062 5402.
The Tourism ExSEllence Awards 2008 was held at Wentworth on 28th October, check out www.getdiscovered2008.co.uk to find out who won!
Click here to view the Tourism ExSEllence Awards 2007 campaign including images of the gala dinner and awards ceremony
Annual General Meeting, Tourism Council & Members' Conference
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
We do hope that you found the event useful. If you were unable to complete a feedback questionnaire , we would be grateful if you could take a few moments to complete one. We do value all feedback and do our best to reflect the views of our members in decisions regarding future events.
Follow this link to download the questionnaire.
The launch of On Your Marks... Get Set... Go! 2012 Visitor Economy Strategy and Members' Conference at Ascot Racecourse on 26 March highlights how the South East can maximise the benefits of the 2012 Olympics & Paralympic Games.
Read more about On Your Marks... Get Set... Go!
'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
Visit Britain Strategy Review
Tourism South East have made a submission to the British Tourism Strategy Review. A copy can be downloaded on our Industry Issues page here.
Exciting New Membership Benefits Launched
There are now more reasons than ever to become a Tourism South East member. Find out about the new membership benefits.