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Bravo for BRADA

Press Release - June 2008

Southport's offering as a top tourist destination will be showcased at a major conference being held in the town.

The Classic Conference resort of Southport is preparing to welcome more than 100 delegates from across the UK to the annual British Resorts and Destinations (BRADA) Conference.

BRADA was originally formed in 1921 and has developed from a traditional local government association to a national body that operates as a trade association, representing the wider interests of local authority-sponsored tourism. Membership now includes 63 local authorities, eight regional and local tourist boards and 22 commercial organisations from across the UK.

The three day conference is being held at the promenade based Royal Clifton Hotel & Spa and starts on June 9.

The conference, sponsored by the North West Development Agency and Carrier Direct Marketing, will be officially opened by Cllr Lord Ronnie Fearn of Southport . During the annual Awards Dinner on the opening day, funnyman Ken Dodd OBE will receive an Honorary Fellowship from BRADA.

Speakers on day two include Southport MP John Pugh and Head of Tourism at Sefton Council, Tony Corfield, and during the day delegates will be given a study tour of the town including the new look Southport Theatre & Convention Centre, seafront, parks and gardens. The evening features a Civic Reception, hosted by the Mayor of Sefton, Cllr Paul Tweed, and the BRADA Annual Dinner.

Day three includes presentations by Urban Splash, preferred developer of the former Pleasureland site and James Bereford, from North West Development Agency (NWDA) who will outline the region's approach to Tourism and emerging national options.

Maxine McCarthy, Conference and Corporate Sales Manager for Sefton Council, said: "We are delighted to welcome BRADA to Southport who can see at first hand the excellent facilities available in the resort.

"Tourism and hosting conferences in the town generates millions of pounds of business and for Southport to host a major tourism conference like this is a real coup."