British attractions and tourism organisations have teamed up to host the First National Conference of Visitor Attractions (VAC2004) this October.

Organised on a not-for-profit basis by the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA), the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions (BALPPA) and the Visitor Attractions Forum (VAF) the event will take place at London’s Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre on 12 October, with a key-note address by secretary of state for culture, media and sport, Tessa Jowell.

The event is also supported by VisitBritain and the Tourism Alliance.

Chaired by former tourism minister and current chair of ALVA, John Lee, the conference will cover key themes including the latest developments and opportunities in the sector, evaluating strategies to stay ahead of the competition, marketing strategies to maximise tourism spending, market research and views and analysis from industry experts.

Jowell said: “The huge wealth of visitor attractions across the UK are at the very heart of our £76bn tourism industry.

“From high profile new attractions to smaller rural ones, Britain has some of the very best in the world. This conference is a unique forum for representatives to explore key issues and meet their colleagues in the industry to share best practice and source new ideas.” Details: www.vac2004.co.uk