AMBITIOUS plans to attract visitors to the South Coast and capitalise on the Olympic legacy will be unveiled in Bournemouth next month.

Senior civil servant Deirdre Wells OBE is set to open the Hotel and Catering Show at the BIC on March 5 and focus on the government’s strategy for tourism development.

The head of tourism at the Department of Culture and Media Studies was programme manager for the Olympic Legacy Board.

Deirdre has also been instrumental in the GREAT campaign; an ambitious marketing campaign that aims to help the world discover why Britain is such a great place to visit, study, work, invest in and do business.

During her keynote address, she will highlight key activities that will directly impact on businesses across the South, from accommodation and hospitality providers to tourist attractions and other suppliers to the industry. After her opening address, Deirdre will also questions from the floor.

Her speech will be followed by a seminar entitled ‘Tourism – holding the reins for economic recovery in the South.’ The two-day event, aimed at inspiring visitors to guide hospitality businesses across the South towards economic recovery following an Olympic year, will include 12 seminars.

Other sessions will offer an insight into customer behaviour, marketing and sales, business operations and helping equip hospitality businesses with the necessary advice for a successful 2013.

To find out more about the show line-up and how to register your attendance visit hotel-expo.co.uk