Watch Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Thursday 15 January 2026 10.00 am
Digital Tourism Conference 2025
Two of the best-known faces of the travel and rural tourism industries, Simon Calder and Adam Henson, will share their views and expertise at digital tourism events in Tewkesbury and Shrewsbury in February 2025.
The digital tourism conferences funded by the River Severn Partnership Advanced Wireless Innovation Region (RSPAWIR) and delivered by Gloucestershire County Council will demonstrate how digital and wireless connectivity can enhance the industry across the region.
The Digital Tourism Conferences are being held on:
Tuesday 11th February: Hilton Puckrup Hall Hotel, Puckrup Lane, Tewkesbury GL20 6EL
and Wednesday 12th February: Shrewsbury Theatre Severn, Frankwell, Shrewsbury SY3 8FT
Both events will open for registration and networking from 9am for a prompt 10am start, and will close at 4pm.
Register free of charge using the links on the right side of this page.
Adam Henson will be the guest speaker in Tewkesbury and Simon Calder will be speaking at the Shrewsbury event.
Each event will offer expert advice on:
- Improving mobile and broadband connectivity
- Developing an Augmented Reality offer
- Using AI to improve business processes
- Understanding the benefits of wireless technology
- Digital placemaking and wayfinding
- Ask the expert break-out sessions
There will be opportunities for attendees to explore a suppliers market place and hear about how 5G and wireless technologies can support businesses and boost the visitor economy.
Matt Smith, RSPAWIR programme manager, said: “The RSPAWIR recognises that tourism is a key part of the region’s economy. By partnering with Gloucestershire County Council to host these events we will demonstrate that advanced wireless technology can boost tourism, protect our environment and local businesses, improve how we deliver rural services and collect information to support future investment.
“We have drawn on the experience of Innovation Region colleagues, mobile network providers and experts in augmented reality and network builders to pull together an informative agenda.”
The two local authorities added: “Our aim is to bring people from all areas of the tourism industry together and to demonstrate what can be achieved by embracing wireless connectivity and digital processes, whether that is streamlining their businesses through ticketing and booking or improving visitor experience by embracing promotional ideas such as immersive experiences.
“Both events promise to be informative and an excellent opportunity to explore the marketplace and network with colleagues including members of the Local Visitor Economy Partnerships for both Gloucestershire and Shropshire.”
Both B2B events are free to attend and are targeted at the tourism and hospitality industry professionals. Do please share details with contacts, friends and family who work in the sector and may wish to attend.
Tuesday 11th February: Hilton Puckrup Hall Hotel, Puckrup Lane, Tewkesbury GL20 6EL
To reach Hilton Puckrup Hall Hotel in Tewkesbury by car, take the M5 motorway and exit at Junction 9, following signs to Tewkesbury. From the roundabout, take the B4080 and continue for approximately 2 miles before turning left at the sign for the hotel.
For those travelling by public transport, Tewkesbury's nearest train station is Ashchurch for Tewkesbury, about 3 miles away, with taxi and bus services available to the hotel.
Alternatively, local buses run from Tewkesbury town centre to a nearby stop, with a short walk to the hotel. The hotel can also be accessed by taxi from either Tewkesbury town centre or Ashchurch station, taking around 10 minutes.
Wednesday 12th February: Shrewsbury Theatre Severn, Frankwell, Shrewsbury SY3 8FT
To reach Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury by car, take the A5 into Shrewsbury and follow signs for the town centre. Once in the centre, continue on the A5191 and follow signs for Theatre Severn, located along the River Severn.
For public transport, Shrewsbury Railway Station is approximately a 10-minute walk from the Theatre, along Frankwell footbridge or Welsh Bridge. Please visit National Rail for more information.
Alternatively, Shrewsbury Bus Station is a 10-minute walk from the Theatre, along Frankwell footbridge or Welsh Bridge.
Tuesday 11th February: Hilton Puckrup Hall Hotel, Puckrup Lane, Tewkesbury GL20 6EL
To reach Hilton Puckrup Hall Hotel in Tewkesbury by car, take the M5 motorway and exit at Junction 9, following signs to Tewkesbury. From the roundabout, take the B4080 and continue for approximately 2 miles before turning left at the sign for the hotel.
For those travelling by public transport, Tewkesbury's nearest train station is Ashchurch for Tewkesbury, about 3 miles away, with taxi and bus services available to the hotel.
Alternatively, local buses run from Tewkesbury town centre to a nearby stop, with a short walk to the hotel. The hotel can also be accessed by taxi from either Tewkesbury town centre or Ashchurch station, taking around 10 minutes.
Wednesday 12th February: Shrewsbury Theatre Severn, Frankwell, Shrewsbury SY3 8FT
To reach Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury by car, take the A5 into Shrewsbury and follow signs for the town centre. Once in the centre, continue on the A5191 and follow signs for Theatre Severn, located along the River Severn.
For public transport, Shrewsbury Railway Station is approximately a 10-minute walk from the Theatre, along Frankwell footbridge or Welsh Bridge. Please visit National Rail for more information.
Alternatively, Shrewsbury Bus Station is a 10-minute walk from the Theatre, along Frankwell footbridge or Welsh Bridge.
Tuesday 11th February: Hilton Puckrup Hall Hotel, Puckrup Lane, Tewkesbury GL20 6EL
If you wish to book accommodation for the night before the conference at Tewkesbury, Hilton Puckrup Hall Hotel has offered delegates and exhibitors a preferential rate that can be booked here (link to follow)
Wednesday 12th February: Shrewsbury Theatre Severn, Frankwell, Shrewsbury SY3 8FT
If you wish to book accommodation for the night before the conference at Shrewsbury Theatre Severn, Frankwell, Shrewsbury SY3 8FT the closest accommodation to Theatre Severn is the Premier Inn opposite and further information can be found here:
Tuesday 11th February: Hilton Puckrup Hall Hotel, Puckrup Lane, Tewkesbury GL20 6EL
If you wish to book accommodation for the night before the conference at Tewkesbury, Hilton Puckrup Hall Hotel has offered delegates and exhibitors a preferential rate that can be booked here (link to follow)
Wednesday 12th February: Shrewsbury Theatre Severn, Frankwell, Shrewsbury SY3 8FT
If you wish to book accommodation for the night before the conference at Shrewsbury Theatre Severn, Frankwell, Shrewsbury SY3 8FT the closest accommodation to Theatre Severn is the Premier Inn opposite and further information can be found here:
