Sussex Visitor Economy Forum: Skills & Innovation in Tourism and Hospitality

The Sussex Visitor Economy Forum

Insights, Support and Opportunities for Tourism & Hospitality Businesses

This is a focused, practical morning designed to bring together leaders, managers, and partners from across Sussex's visitor economy. Whether you're looking for fresh ideas, industry insight, new connections, or support for your business, the forum will provide a platform to learn, collaborate, and help shape the future of tourism, hospitality, culture, leisure, and visitor attractions across the region.

We'll explore:

✅ Key industry trends and market insights
✅ Business support, funding opportunities and partnership working
✅ Marketing, digital innovation and visitor engagement
✅ Workforce, recruitment and skills challenges
✅ Sustainable growth and destination development
✅ Practical ways to strengthen and promote Sussex's visitor economy together

Welcome

• Ana Christie, Chief Executive of Sussex Chamber. 

  Ana leads Sussex Chamber of Commerce in driving growth and collaboration across the region’s business community, with a strong focus on the visitor economy. She champions initiatives that support tourism and hospitality businesses, advocates for skills development, and works closely with local and national partners to ensure Sussex remains a competitive and attractive destination for visitors.

• Jo Williams, Manager of Experience Sussex.
  

  Jo leads collaborative initiatives to grow and promote Sussex’s tourism and hospitality sector, bringing together local authorities, businesses, destination organisations, transport partners, and funding bodies to deliver a unified Visitor Economy Plan for Growth.

  Jo will give an update on the work of Experience Sussex and the LVEP (Local Visitor Economy Partnership) framework, what it means for local businesses, destinations, and collaboration in 2026 and beyond.

Opening Panel: The Future of Sussex's Visitor Economy

Our panel will explore the opportunities and challenges shaping tourism, hospitality and leisure across Sussex:

• Growing Sussex's visitor economy – emerging trends, business challenges and opportunities for sustainable growth.
• Skills, recruitment and workforce development – attracting, retaining and developing the talent needed to support a thriving visitor economy.
• Innovation, marketing and digital transformation – how businesses can use AI, technology and new approaches to reach audiences and enhance visitor experiences.

We'll capture live audience input via Slido:

Q1: What is the biggest opportunity or challenge facing your business right now?

Breakout Conversations: Fireside Style

After a short break, choose from three hosted fireside conversations that explore key priorities for the sector in greater depth.

Breakout 1: Skills, Recruitment & Workforce Development

A practical discussion on workforce challenges facing the industry, including recruitment, retention, training opportunities, apprenticeships, Hospitality Passport, bootcamps and engaging future talent.

Outcome: Clear guidance on the support, programmes and pathways available to help build a stronger workforce.

Breakout 2: Marketing, AI & Visitor Engagement

Explore how businesses can embrace AI, digital tools and effective marketing strategies to attract visitors, improve customer experiences and engage new audiences, including international visitors and Gen Z.

Outcome: Practical ideas and tools that can be implemented immediately within your business.

Breakout 3: Business Growth, Collaboration & Sector Support

Discover the funding, business support, partnerships and collaborative opportunities available across Sussex, while discussing how we can collectively strengthen the visitor economy.

Outcome: Greater awareness of support available and new partnerships to help drive growth.

Final Q&A: Shaping 2026 Together

We'll bring everyone back together for a final discussion and Slido questions:

• Q2: What opportunities should we prioritise for Sussex's visitor economy in 2026?
• Q3: What is the one message Government needs to hear from our sector?

We'll summarise the key themes, capture priorities for the year ahead and move into networking, with business support partners available for follow-up conversations.

What You'll Take Away

• Insights into the latest trends and opportunities across Sussex's visitor economy.
• Information on skills, recruitment and workforce development initiatives.
• Practical marketing, AI and visitor engagement ideas.
• Greater awareness of business support, funding and partnership opportunities.
• New connections with industry leaders, partners and support organisations.
• A shared set of priorities for Sussex's visitor economy in 2026.

Visitor Economy Brand Stand – £60 + VAT

Showcase your business to a highly engaged audience of tourism, hospitality, leisure and visitor economy professionals from across Sussex with a Visitor Economy Brand Stand, exclusively available to Sussex Chamber members. This is a fantastic opportunity to raise your profile, promote your products and services, and connect directly with business leaders, decision-makers, potential customers and industry partners all in one place. 

Your package includes:

• Space for marketing materials and a pop-up banner
• A dedicated stand in the networking and exhibition area
• Opportunities to engage with delegates throughout the event
• Increased visibility among businesses and organisations across Sussex's visitor economy

Whether you're looking to generate new leads, build partnerships, strengthen your brand presence or showcase your expertise, the Visitor Economy Brand Stand offers a cost-effective way to put your business in front of the people who matter. 

Limited stands are available and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.