The Land Leisure & Tourism Show 2025 is proud to present its two keynote speakers who represent the breadth, ambition, and innovation driving the UK’s visitor economy. From national strategy to family-first attractions, this year’s sessions will deliver fresh insights and practical inspiration for operators, developers, and decision-makers across the leisure, land, and tourism sectors. 

 

Day 1 Opening Address – 5 November, 10:00–10:30am 

Sir Chris Bryant MP – Minister of State for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism 

Title: Shaping the Future of the UK Visitor Economy (video presentation) 

Appointed in July 2024, Sir Chris Bryant MP is leading the government’s vision for the future of UK tourism. Tasked with boosting international arrivals to 50 million annually by 2030, Sir Chris is spearheading the new National Visitor Economy Strategy and co-chairing the Visitor Economy Advisory Council, which aims to strengthen collaboration between government and industry. 

In his opening keynote, Sir Chris will share how tourism is being positioned as a pillar of the UK’s economic and cultural future. He will outline priorities such as growing regional tourism beyond London, investing in transport and infrastructure, encouraging longer visitor stays, and improving the overall guest experience. This address will set the tone for the show, highlighting opportunities for growth, sustainability, and innovation across the entire sector. 

 

Day 2 Keynote Address – 6 November, 10:00–10:30am 

Julie Dalton – Managing Director, Gulliver’s Theme Parks & Resorts 

Title: How Gulliver’s World is Shaping Tomorrow’s Attractions 

With over 20 years of leadership in the UK’s attractions industry, Julie Dalton has overseen the growth of the family-owned Gulliver’s Theme Parks & Resorts, which now spans four sites nationwide. Known for its commitment to affordable, family-first fun, Gulliver’s has become a much-loved brand that balances commercial success with accessibility and guest experience. 

In this keynote session, Julie will explore how independent operators like Gulliver’s are adapting to shifting leisure trends, from immersive events and evolving guest expectations to innovation in park operations. She will share how Gulliver’s has diversified and modernised its offer while staying true to its core mission of providing accessible, affordable days out for families with young children. Julie will also touch on her role in championing women in leadership within tourism and leisure, offering inspiration for the next generation of industry leaders. 

 

Together, these two keynote addresses reflect both the mainstream vision of national tourism strategy and the real-world innovation of family attractions on the ground. For Land Leisure and Tourism Show attendees, they offer a unique chance to hear directly from leaders shaping policy, practice, and customer experience in today’s rapidly evolving visitor economy. 

Don’t miss the chance to gain insight, inspiration, and actionable takeaways from some of the most influential voices in the sector.  

Join us at NEC Birmingham on 5-6 November 2025.

 

Secure your free ticket today!