Key Figures in Suffolk’s Tourism Industry gather at Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa

A conference attracting 150 delegates, which brought together the leading voices for tourism in Suffolk, recently heard that there is over 7% growth year on year for the county’s key investment area.

Destination Suffolk, hosted by Choose Suffolk, was held here at the Stoke by Nayland Hotel on the Suffolk Essex border and was attended by 150 delegates.

The purpose-built conference centre provides nine flexible meeting rooms of various configurations, all of which have full air-conditioning, free Wifi, natural daylight and private terraces overlooking the lake or golf courses. This enabled us to host the conference in a comfortable, spacious and luxurious setting.

Our Peake Spa Manager, Steph Harris even led the 150 delegates and speakers in some relaxing breathing exercises during the morning, which everyone enjoyed!

James Berresford, CE of Visit England praised the kind hospitality of the venue saying, “You have a tremendous operation that really does lead by example.  Many congratulations!”

CEO of Choose Suffolk Tim Passmore told the event that Suffolk was the breadbasket of the UK and that its production of beers, wine, fruit juices, vegetables and meat were fundamental to the UK. Delegates were encouraged to browse our Pippin Store during the break, showcasing a wide range and a fine example of our very own locally produced Pippin food.

The key note speaker, Lady Caroline Cranbrook, the President of the Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival, said that “eating habits have changed over recent years and this means that there is more of a trend to eat locally produced food which is good news for our farmers here in Suffolk.”

The importance of the London Olympics and the opportunity it brings to the county was set out by Chris Foy, the Head of the 2012 Games Unit at Visit Britain

The afternoon of the event saw work shops on social media, boosting your business and the art of communications all held in the suite of well-equipped conference rooms and the impressive buffet lunch created by our Head Chef was widely praised by delegates and speakers alike.

“This year’s conference was an important date on the calendar for Suffolk,” said Brigit Parker, Marketing Manager at Choose Suffolk.