IP members are invited to collect their copy of the Isles of Scilly 2014 brochure today (Thursday 9th Jan) from 11am to 3pm (rescheduled from 23rd December). IP Directors and staff will also be on hand to talk about the guide’s new look and branding for Visit Isles of Scilly. Look forward to seeing you all there.

We’re on the look out for Scilly’s Tourism Superstar - someone who is passionate about Scilly’s visitor offering and willing to represent the islands at the “Tourism Superstar 2014” awards.

The competition, which is organised by VisitEngland in partnership with The Daily Mirror and Mirror Online, is an integral part of VisitEngland’s English Tourism Week. Last year, it attracted some 4,000 votes on Mirror online and generated more than 60 pieces of press coverage including exposure on BBC Breakfast, as well as some fantastic conversations on Twitter and other social media channels.

“We’re searching for someone who is passionate about Scilly as a visitor destination and who goes beyond the call of duty to make every visitor’s experience extra special,” says IP Tourism Coordinator, Amanda Pender. “So long as that person works within tourism and is knowledgeable and enthusiastic, they are eligible.”

The nominee must be willing to participate and, if shortlisted, agree to travel to London in February to be filmed and feature on the Mirror website. They will also be required to attend the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence in May.

Email your nominations to [email protected] or Twitter @IOSPartnership using #tourismsuperstarscilly and the nominee’s name. Our deadline is noon, Friday 20th December. The IP will then collate a shortlist if required, and ask members to vote on a final decision.

Islands’ Partnership members are invited to attend a Networking Event at Tregarthen’s Hotel next Wednesday, 11th December, 10.30am – 2.00pm. This is the first of what will become regular networking events to give you the opportunity to listen to and quiz eminent guest speakers from the tourism sector and business community.

The keynote speaker at this event will be Robin Barker, Chief Executive Officer Services for Tourism Ltd which managed this year’s Cornwall Tourism Awards, Fellow of the Tourism Management Institute and previous Head of Marketing at the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth. His presentation entitled “Isles of Scilly: Observations & Opportunities” will provide invaluable insight into how best we can present our businesses, and make the most of sustainable marketing and social media to build a better future.

He will be followed by Jenifer Littman MBE, Chief Executive for Tourism for All UK. She will offer practical advice and positive evidence for delivering improved accessibility across the islands. Finally, Rob Baldry, Director Flexis Hospitality Solutions who has previously worked with Legoland in Windsor, and the Regal and Corus Hotel chains will deliver useful tips on how businesses can maximise revenue and improve profitability.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for members of the Islands’ Partnership to pick the brains of gurus from tourism and tourism-related businesses who have comprehensive industry knowledge on a national scale,” says Amanda Pender, Islands’ Partnership Tourism Coordinator. “We are delighted to offer this opportunity to members as a fundamental benefit of their support for the Islands’ Partnership.”

The event will wrap up with a finger buffet lunch – an opportunity for all members to network with the guest speakers and among themselves in a relaxed, festive environment.

Please RSVP by calling the office on 424036 or emailing Membership Secretary [email protected].