Sustainability dominates new tourism and leisure forum

(Photograph: Emma Solley Photography)

Sustainability is a key challenge for the tourism and leisure sector in the south west, according to delegates attending the launch of a new forum for the sector. 

Bishop Fleming partnered with Trowers & Hamlins and Savills to host the inaugural meeting of the South West Tourism and Leisure Forum, featuring industry experts from across the sector. 

Held at Winslade Manor, Exeter on 24 January, the event was created to provide a forum for industry experts to discuss and tackle burning issues from across the tourism and leisure sector. 

Attendees included hoteliers, tourism and recreation businesses, and food and drink producers, to look at ways in which the industry can navigate the various challenges facing the sector in 2023.

Sustainability

In an audience live poll hosted at the event, seven out of eight attending (87%) felt that investment in sustainability initiatives is a desirable or even crucial priority for their business.

Also cited as a key challenge facing the sector was the rising popularity of staycations in the south west.

Industry optimism

Reflecting well-publicised economic challenges over the past two years, 46% of attendees were feeling optimistic for 2023.

A clear belief was also expressed that the sector will see an improved trading environment this year compared to 2022.

Speakers

Speakers included:

• Michael Caines MBE, chef and owner of Michael Caines Collection. Creating and managing luxury hotel and hospitality businesses across the region.
• Russ Wakeham, CEO of Two Drifters Distillery. Producing carbon negative rum in Devon.
• Tim Wheeldon, Managing Director of Zeal Hotels. Striving to develop the first net zero hotel, on the edge of Exeter.
• James Greenslade, Savills. James is Director of Hotels and Capital Markets, specialising in the sale and acquisition of hotels and cottage complexes across the south west.

Industry observations

Fleur Lewis, Partner and Head of Food and Drink at Bishop Fleming, thanking Trowers and Savills for partnering the event, commented:

"The tourism and leisure industry has enormous potential in the South West region and at Bishop Fleming we are passionate about driving the conversation forward on how it can be further developed. We look forward to working alongside both Trowers and Savills on future events.“

Stuart Mathews, Corporate Partner at Trowers, added:

"The past two years have provided unprecedented challenges for the tourism and leisure industry, so it was pleasing to see that there was a sense of renewed optimism for 2023 amongst the attendees at our inaugural South West Tourism and Leisure Forum. We would like to thank Savills and Bishop Fleming for joining us in delivering this event and we look forward to continuing our support of this vital south west industry during the course of the coming year."

James Greenslade, Director, Hotel and Capital Markets, at Savills:

"The inaugural South West Tourism and Leisure Forum enabled stakeholders from a broad range of sectors, from hoteliers and restauranteurs, through to food and drink producers to come together and engage in meaningful discussions on a range of topics impacting the industry in the South West. We would like to thank our guest speakers for taking the time to attend the event and share their insight into the key opportunities and challenges facing the tourism and leisure sector in the south west" 

Find out more

If you would like to know more about the forum, contact a member of our food and drink team, or your usual Bishop Fleming advisor.