Churches Tourism November Convention Looks to Open Britain's Sacred Sites

The Churches Tourism Association (CTA) will hold its National Convention 2006 this November when it brings together major church, ministry and tourism representatives to explore the question of how Britain's religious landmarks can attract more visitors.

Expert leaders in the field will join Church Tourism as it leads delegates into this year's theme, 'Experiencing Sacred Britain'. The Convention will examine and debate current thinking on the issue and learn from recent research and practical case studies.

A focal point of the event will be the formal launch 'Sacred Britain: Tourism and Places of Worship' - the newly developed strategy currently being put together in collaboration with VisitBritain and a range of church and civic groups.

The Convention is looking to refresh existing church work in this area and give workers in this field some new inspiration by bringing them together with other experts who can shine a fresh light on delegates' existing work as well as spark some exciting new ventures.

"The CTA Convention aims to inform, involve and inspire, enabling us to make the most of our outstanding sacred heritage," the CTA clarified.

The idea is for delegates to build on their existing knowledge and experience of the development, management and delivery of the 'visitor experience'.

Various keynote speakers from the tourism, heritage and faith sectors will be present at the Convention to provide some new angles on tourism and where religious heritage sites fit into this sector.

They include the Rt Hon David Lammy MP, Minister for Culture, DCMS, Tom Wright, Chief Executive of VisitBritain, the Rt Hon Frank Field MP, Chairman of the Churches Conservation Trust, and the Rt Rev Graham James, the Bishop of Norwich.

The Convention will take place from 20 to 22 November in Swanwick, Derbyshire, and enjoys the support of the DCMS, the Avic Trust, the Tourism Society, the Churches Convention Trust, the Church of England and VisitBritain.