IT IS estimated that the tourism industry in the South East of England will benefit by £1billion additional revenue in the years around the
London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games.

It is vital that Buckinghamshire businesses are fully equipped to grab a
share of this business, just as important is the need to ensure that the quality welcome provided to visitors is of a consistently excellent standard to ensure that they return time and again.

It is with these objectives in mind that the new "Hosting the World" programme of training opportunities has been developed by Tourism South East and SEEDA and is now offering some superb business development opportunities often for free.

I recently met with Michelle Grant from Tourism South East who is running the scheme and who explained that the programme would be
available to all Buckinghamshire leisure, tourism and hospitality businesses with an ambition to make the most of 2012.

"The courses are designed for managers and team leaders who are committed to meeting the expectations of international visitors, the
sessions are flexible but will include practical advice and tips on topics such as staff recruitment & retention, e-marketing and customer
relationships as well as sessions on improving accessibility and
sustainability."

Next up on November 27 the team are holding a free workshop on using and
making the most of new social media opportunities including blogs, message boards, podcasts and wikis (don't worry you are not
alone in not knowing what a wiki is yet!) to promote your business.

As well as being a fascinating and fast developing topic, the event will also have the added benefit of being held at the magnificent Olympic and Paralympic rowing venue of Dorney Lake in South Bucks
which is well worth a visit in its own right.

I aim to be there to bring my knowledge of this topic up to date and I hope that many of you are able to join me.

To reserve your place and to register for future course updates simply e-mail mgrant@tourismse.com or telephone 023 8062 5437.

Looking forward to seeing you on the 27th,

Ian Barham