Partners

As well as our local partnerships, with the local authorities and members, there are a number of strategic organisations that we work closely with and are members of, who enhance our knowledge, access to markets and provide vital networks.

Visit Britain and Visit England

The national tourism agency, a non-departmental public body funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS). As Britain’s seventh largest export industry, before the pandemic tourism was worth £127 billion to Britain’s economy. Inbound tourism’s economic contribution was valued at £26.2 billion.

We are delighted to have an excellent working relationship with the teams at Visit England and Visit Britain, including both their UK based and international teams.  This partnership is critical to our work both strategically and operationally.

Not only does this maximise opportunities for the region, raising our profile at national and international level.  This includes work in sharing content, participating in campaigns, co-operating on media visits, working with travel trade, insights and business support.

UKInbound

The only trade association that represents the interests of the UK’s inbound tourism sector and ensure it is recognised as a leading economic and employment driver in the UK.

Our membership of UKInbound supports the ongoing development of inbound tourism to the UK.  This provides unique networking opportunities as well as insights, data and access to events.  Through our UKInbound membership, we have secured a number of events for the region, including hosting of Annual Convention in 2020.

UKInbound is also a strong lobbying group, working at national government level to highlight the value of the inbound market.

Any business wanting to develop their inbound tourism offer should consider UKInbound membership.

Living Wage Foundation

Visit West is an accredited Living Wage Employer. meaning we are one of thousands of organisations, businesses and people, across the UK, who believe that a hard day’s work deserves a fair day’s pay. Together we can continue to ensure everyone can earn enough to live on.

Core Cities

Bristol is one of the UK’s core cities, and this provides an invaluable network of city destinations who have similar challenges and opportunities.  Working together we can develop best practice and learn from each other, while sharing insights and trends.

English Heritage Cities

Bath is a member of the English Heritage Cities who, like the core cities, provide a vital network of destinations.  Partnership working with English Heritage cities has produced a number of projects including those delivered through the Discover England Fund. 

Meetings Industry Association (MIA)

The principal association supporting and growing the business meetings and events industry in the UK, and the keeper of AIM, the UK’s only recognised quality standard for the meetings industry.

Through our membership of the MIA, we are able to access valuable insights and training, together with vital networking opportunities.  The Bristol and Bath Convention Bureau is AIM accredited.

International Convention and Congress Association (ICCA)

The global association leader for the international meetings industry, specialising in the international association meetings sector.

Our membership of ICCA enables us to remain competitive in developing international association business for the region.  Membership enables us to have access to critical data which in turn helps us develop routes to market, as well as vital education and information globally.

Bristol City of Sanctuary

Bristol was officially recognised as a City of Sanctuary in 2010, and since then, the charity has worked hard to ensure that Bristol is a City of Sanctuary for all; that it is an inclusive and welcoming city.

We are delighted to be a supporter of Bristol City of Sanctuary. We support the hard work they are doing to make Bristol a place where refugees and asylum seekers are welcomed.