THE head of government and public affairs for VisitBritain is returning to the Island next week to give the keynote speech at Jersey Tourism’s industry conference.

Bernard Donoghue, who visited the Island in June to talk at a Chamber of Commerce lunch, represents the UK and Britain’s tourism body at national and international level. He will talk about what recession means for tourism and how to get over it at the conference next Thursday at the Hotel de France.

He will also reveal results of VisitBritain’s recent UK review into the political and economic importance of tourism. As well as his role at VisitBritain, Mr Donoghue is deputy chairman of the Tourism Industry Emergency Response Group, which advises UK government in the event of crises affecting the tourism industry, such as foot and mouth disease, 9/11 and the 2005 London bombings.

Other speakers include Jersey Tourism director David de Carteret, who will give an industry review and discuss possible challenges that lie ahead for tourism. Jersey Tourism’s marketing manager Simon Le Huray, will talk about marketing strategies for the Island and Economic Development Minister Philip Ozouf will give an overview of the day before handing the microphone over to Mr Donoghue.

• Picture: Bernard Donoghue, head of government and public affairs for VisitBritain. Picture by Tony Pike (00568422)