The Visit Hull & East Yorkshire Tourism Festival has been hailed a success, drawing together key stakeholders and experts from across the region. The event opened with a warm welcome from Councillor Pritchard, setting the tone for a morning of insightful discussions and networking. Chris Blacksell, Chair of the VHEY Advisory Board, hosted the event, guiding attendees through a full agenda.
A highlight of the conference was the keynote by Sheona Southern, who delved into the opportunities and challenges of regions, destinations and partners collaborating. Her insights provided much food for thought for the future of tourism in Hull and East Yorkshire.
Ross Calladine and Anna Nelson led a valuable session on the importance of accessible tourism for the region. Their discussion emphasized inclusivity and introduced the AccessAble scheme, a key initiative aimed at making Hull and East Yorkshire more accessible to all visitors, further reinforcing the region’s commitment to welcoming diverse audiences.
Another standout moment was the engaging talk by renowned chef Jack Stein. He spoke passionately about sustainable food practices and the vital role of supporting local businesses, drawing on his expertise to inspire attendees.
The event provided ample opportunities for networking, with local visitor economy businesses showcasing their offerings at exhibition stands, generating meaningful connections across the industry.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Councillor Coultish, wrapping up a successful morning of collaboration, learning, and vision for the future of tourism in Hull and East Yorkshire.