Surrey co-hosts NET-STaR social tourism seminar in Blackpool

Monday 25 June 2012

On Friday 22nd June the fourth NET-STaR (Network for social Tourism and Regeneration) seminar took place in Blackpool. Despite the torrential downpours and gusty winds outside, speakers like Paul Maynard (MP for Blackpool North and Cleveleys) and Phil Evans (Head of Strategy for Visit England) argued the potential of social tourism for UK destinations. Robert Maitland of the University of Westminster, Graham Miller and Lynn Minnaert of the University of Surrey explored how social enterprise could play a role in achieving this potential. 

 

Marianne Schapmans of Tourism Flanders presented the work of the Holiday Participation Unit: a division of the regional tourist board that works with private sector partners to offer discounted day trips and holiday to around 100,000 low-income people per year. Finally Caroline White, Chief Executive of the Youth Hostel Association, discussed how her organisation combined its social and economic objectives. The seminar attracted a multi-disciplinary audience of academics, charity representatives, tourism partners and policy makers.

The next NET-STaR seminar will take place at the University of Surrey on October 24th 2012, between 1 and 5 pm. The theme of this seminar will be ‘Social Tourism and Social Regeneration’. If you would like to book a place, please contact Lynn Minnaert.