TOURISM and leisure businesses in Suffolk are being urged to attend free industry-focused events over the winter period as the industry responds to a shift in consumer behaviour and the development of green tourism.

TOURISM and leisure businesses in Suffolk are being urged to attend free industry-focused events over the winter period as the industry responds to a shift in consumer behaviour and the development of green tourism.

Tourist organisation Choose Suffolk Tourism Partnership has developed a series of six tourism roadshow events designed to respond to the findings of a recent business survey as part of the Enterprise Engagement Programme.

The events, which take place across the county and provide local networking opportunities, will include presentations on key topics crucial to the county's tourism sector, ranging from e-marketing to green tourism.

Choose Suffolk tourism manager Alex Paul said: “The county has benefited from an increase in leisure visitors this year and these roadshow events will build on this success by providing the ideal platform to bring local businesses together.”

Delegates will learn about the shift in consumer behaviour when searching for inspiration on travel and leisure ideas, as electronic marketing overtakes traditional methods.

The roadshows are being sponsored by the Envirowise organisation, which will be informing delegates about the substantial waste and cost savings which can be achieved in the hospitality sector.

The roadshow events will take place at the following venues: Glemham Hall, near Woodbridge, on Thursday, November 26; University Campus Suffolk, Ipswich on Friday, December 11; Bedford Lodge Hotel, Newmarket on Thursday, January 14; The Swan Hotel, Lavenham on Wednesday, January 20; The Angel Hotel, Bury St Edmunds on Thursday, February 4; Waveney Tourism Spring AGM, Tuesday, March 16, venue to be confirmed.

Delegates can find out more about the events and register for free at www.suffolktourismpartnership.org.uk