SOUTH WEST TOURISM ALLIANCE FUNDING

In 2011 South West Tourism, the Regional Tourist Board for South West England, was disbanded by the then Coalition Government. The private sector industry came together to form the South West Tourism Alliance. Our initial goals were to maintain and protect the following critical services:

• Tourism specific training

• Tourism specific research and data

• The Regional Excellence Awards

• Green Tourism support

This has been achieved and all of these areas are now run by the private sector. In addition the South West Tourism Alliance was tasked by the Members to lobby on key issues relevant to the region. We organise newsletters, social media and meetings to maintain communication with the industry.

The committee is formed from both the private and public sectors. No-one is paid for their contribution and all positions are voluntary.

Funding is almost solely provided by holding an annual dinner, which brings together leading individuals from both the region and national tourism stage. Under the Events Tab above, you can find full details of the fund-raising dinner.

In 2014 the work of the South West Tourism Alliance was recognised at the prestigious British Travel Awards, where it was awarded Best UK Regional Tourism Enterprise.

In 2016 the South West Tourism Excellence Awards presented Alistair Handyside with the Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award for his work at the South West Tourism Alliance.

In 2018 Alistair was awarded an MBE in the Queens Honours list for ‘voluntary services to tourism’.

If you require any further information please contact us. .