What does it take to position a historic borough like Greenwich as a global tourism hotspot? Picture a vibrant gathering of over 300 industry professionals, all converging in one of London’s most storied areas to forge connections that could redefine the UK’s inbound travel landscape. On September 4, 2024, Woolwich Works in the Royal Borough of Greenwich hosted UKinbound’s inaugural Inspire networking event, a dynamic platform designed to spark partnerships and elevate the region’s appeal to international visitors. This wasn’t just a meeting—it was a catalyst for economic and cultural growth, spotlighting Greenwich as a gem in the UK’s tourism crown.
The significance of this event cannot be overstated. Inbound tourism contributes a staggering £17 billion to London’s economy annually, supporting countless jobs and businesses while showcasing the nation’s unique heritage to the world. With key markets like the USA, Asia, and the Middle East driving visitor numbers, initiatives like Inspire are vital for maintaining the UK’s competitive edge in a crowded global market. Greenwich, with its blend of maritime history and modern vibrancy, serves as a perfect stage to demonstrate how local destinations can fuel national tourism goals. This gathering marked a pivotal moment, uniting stakeholders to strategize for the upcoming seasons of 2026 and 2027.
A Turning Point for Greenwich Tourism
The Inspire event unfolded as a landmark occasion, bringing together tour operators, trade buyers, and local providers in a setting steeped in history. Hosted in partnership with Visit Greenwich, the event facilitated over 2,700 individual meetings, creating a bustling hub of opportunity at Woolwich Works. These interactions weren’t just casual exchanges—they were the building blocks of future collaborations aimed at drawing more international travelers to the UK over the next few years.
Beyond the numbers, the event offered a deep dive into Greenwich’s allure. Delegates explored the borough’s iconic maritime heritage and the evolving Greenwich Peninsula, gaining firsthand insight into what makes this area a must-visit destination. From the historic Cutty Sark to contemporary cultural spaces, the showcased attractions highlighted why Greenwich deserves a spot on every global traveler’s itinerary.
This kind of direct engagement is rare and powerful. Familiarization trips on September 5 allowed international buyers to experience the borough’s offerings up close, from guided tours to curated local experiences. Such initiatives ensure that Greenwich isn’t just a name on a map but a vivid memory for those shaping travel trends, potentially influencing itineraries for years to come.
The Economic Powerhouse of Inbound Travel
Inbound tourism stands as a cornerstone of the UK’s economic framework, far beyond the allure of postcard-worthy landmarks. London alone benefits from billions in annual revenue, with figures showing consistent growth as international visitors flock to explore the nation’s diverse offerings. This sector sustains local livelihoods, from hospitality workers to small business owners, particularly in areas like Greenwich where tourism intertwines with community vitality.
Events like Inspire play an indispensable role in amplifying these benefits. By connecting global markets with local stakeholders, they ensure that the economic ripple effects reach every corner of the industry. The focus on key regions like the USA and Asia during the event reflects a strategic push to tap into high-growth visitor demographics, securing long-term prosperity for destinations across the UK.
Moreover, the collaborative spirit fostered at such gatherings addresses broader challenges in the tourism landscape. With competition intensifying worldwide, the UK must continually innovate to retain its status as a top destination. Bringing together diverse voices under one roof, as seen in Greenwich, creates a shared commitment to tackling these hurdles through partnership and creativity.
Inside the Inspire Event: Connections and Insights
A packed agenda defined the Inspire event, with each element crafted to maximize impact. A standout feature was the market seminar led by industry statistician David Edwards, who presented critical data and trends shaping tourism from 2025 to 2027. Attendees left armed with actionable insights, ready to refine their strategies for upcoming seasons in a rapidly evolving market.
Networking took center stage as well, with an evening session at Dial Arch providing a relaxed yet purposeful environment for dialogue. Here, industry players exchanged ideas and forged bonds that could translate into concrete business deals. The sheer volume of meetings—over 2,700 in a single day—underscored the event’s role as a melting pot for innovation and opportunity within the inbound travel sector.
Perhaps most striking was the emphasis on experiential learning. The familiarization trips offered a tangible connection to Greenwich’s unique character, from its naval history to its modern cultural hubs. For international buyers, these experiences transformed abstract concepts into compelling reasons to promote the borough, ensuring its story resonates with travelers worldwide.
Voices of Leadership and Vision
Key figures at the event articulated a unified message about tourism’s transformative potential. Councillor Anthony Okereke, leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, delivered a compelling address on how inbound visitors drive local economies and job creation. He emphasized the need for collective action to enhance the visitor experience, positioning Greenwich as a model for sustainable growth.
Echoing this perspective, Joss Croft OBE, CEO of UKinbound, highlighted the pride in launching this initiative alongside Visit Greenwich. “Partnering to showcase the borough’s world-class heritage is a testament to what collaboration can achieve,” he noted. His remarks framed the event as a springboard for businesses to expand while reinforcing the UK’s global travel appeal.
These insights reveal a deeper purpose behind the gathering. Both leaders stressed that success hinges on shared goals, whether it’s elevating a single destination like Greenwich or strengthening the national tourism narrative. Their words served as a rallying cry for the industry to prioritize unity in addressing future challenges.
Blueprint for Elevating Local Destinations
The Inspire event offers valuable lessons for boosting tourism at a local level across the UK. Targeted networking, as demonstrated by the thousands of meetings held, proves essential in linking international buyers with regional providers. This direct interaction builds trust and lays the groundwork for partnerships that can endure for seasons to come.
Educational components also emerged as a critical strategy. Seminars providing data-driven insights equip professionals with the tools to anticipate market shifts, ensuring they remain ahead of the curve. For destinations aiming to stand out, investing in such knowledge-sharing sessions can be a game-changer in crafting effective promotional campaigns.
Finally, showcasing local strengths through curated experiences leaves an indelible mark. Greenwich’s familiarization trips exemplified how tangible encounters with a destination’s culture and history can captivate potential partners. Adopting this approach allows other regions to highlight their unique assets, contributing to a richer, more diverse UK tourism story that resonates on a global scale.
Looking back, the Inspire event in Greenwich stood as a resounding success, uniting over 300 industry professionals to network, learn, and explore a historic borough’s treasures. The partnerships formed and insights gained during those September days in 2024 laid a strong foundation for future growth. Moving forward, the tourism sector must build on this momentum by prioritizing similar events that foster collaboration and spotlight local gems. Stakeholders should focus on replicating this model in other regions, ensuring that every corner of the UK benefits from the inbound travel boom. Embracing strategic networking and experiential promotion will be key to sustaining the nation’s allure for international visitors in the years ahead.
