South West Tourism Conference
Always a great event, the conference takes place annually over two days. It explores tourism opportunities and is held at Westpoint Exeter. Speakers, including our Director Gareth Allen, shared ideas with a packed room. To kick things off Simon Calder, travel writer and correspondent, spoke on the “Future of Travel”. Soundview’s contribution examined video marketing to attract new markets. Of course, Brexit was a hot topic, with the changes and opportunities this represents. It was a dynamic two days and to make it more exciting, we had our 360 VR films for conference goers to try out!
A chance to try out Soundview’s 360 VR videos
South West Tourism Excellence Awards
Next, and hot on the heels, the South West Tourism Excellence Awards. This event, which recognises excellence in tourism, marks the pinnacle of the South West Tourism Awards calendar. After a rigorous judging process with 651 entries, judges decide on the winners. A gold at this event means automatic entry into the national Visit England Awards. So, it really is the best of the West for tourism businesses. The celebration took place at Aerospace Bristol, under the wings of Concorde. As the last Concorde to fly, and in the year of Concorde’s 50th anniversary, it was a prestigious event in impressive setting.
Our film, above, launched the awards ceremony. It’s an exciting event so we captured some of that excitement in the countdown. It also provides an insight into what’s so great about visiting the South West. We work through out the South West with tourism businesses and organisations. So, we had a lot of fantastic footage to choose from! Following the video it was time for the awards.
Soundview Award Sponsors
Cohort Hostel receive a Gold Award.
As sponsors of the South West Business Innovation category, we had the privilege to hand the joint Gold award to Cohort and SS Great Britain. Consort is a dynamic team based in St Ives, who run a hostel that attracts groups, small and large, to its fun and funky accommodation in the heart of the town. Their business model has seen numbers of visitors grow and grow. SS Great Britain is is one of the most important historic ships in the world and offers fantastic experiences to visitors. A well served Gold to both of them, and good luck in in the Visit England Awards.
