The growth potential of the UK tourism industry will come under the spotlight today (29 September) during a seminar at the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham.

Last year was a record for inbound UK tourism with 33 million people visiting and spending £21bn in the UK economy during 2013. The first six months of 2014 have also been strong for the industry with ONS figures showing that visitor numbers to the UK are up a further seven per cent so far this year, suggesting further increases in tourism-related employment.

Today’s event – entitled New Champions: Unlocking the skills and growth potential of unexploited sectors in the UK economy, will be hosted by UK independent hotel chain Travelodge and features a high profile panel of speakers. The panel will discuss the need to raise the profile of UK tourism amongst policy makers and the need for government to unleash the growth potential of the industry.

It will also address skills shortages and youth unemployment, addressing how further policymaker support can enable companies to upskill Britons and provide more opportunities for school leavers and young people

Nick Faith, director of communications at think tank Policy Exchange, is due to chair the event and has highlighted the industry’s ability to bring opportunities to all sections of society.

“In areas of the country that feel particularly isolated by the growth of London and other major cities, sectors like tourism, catering and hospitality can provide life changing opportunities for people who don’t feel they have a stake in what the Prime Minister refers to as the ‘global race’,” he said.

“This event will look at the ‘forgotten sectors’ of the economy and explore how government can work with business to ensure the economic recovery reaches every part of the country."

The panel of speakers comprises:

• Travelodge chief executive Peter Gowers

• Nick Boles MP, minister of state for skills and equalities• Ufi Ibrahim, chief executive, British Hospitality Association

• Dr Gerard Lyons, chief economic advisor to the mayor of London• Baroness Neville-Rolfe, under secretary of state for business, innovation and skills