WIRRAL could be the gateway to tourism in the North West, said Geoffrey Lipman, President of Worldwide Travel and Tourism, at the Euro Wirral Conference on Tourism.

Speaking to the Globe at the conference HQ in the new Wirral Met IBMC, Europa Boulevard, he extended the 'regenerating the economy' conference theme by adding that Birkenhead had changed dramatically - for the better - since his Birkenhead Park rugby-playing days as a student.

The new Conway Park railway station, nearing completion opposite the IBMC, would be another boost to travel and tourism.

Birkenhead is now perfectly positioned to be the gateway to tourism in the North West - serving Liverpool, Manchester, Chester and North Wales, said Mr Lipman, whose keynote speech was on Seizing the Opportunity - a Millennium Vision.

Wirral hosted the conference, which attracted paying delegates from all over the country. Local delegates included Leader of the Council Dave Jackson, Elaine Hazlehurst and Karen Duncan, of Port Sunlight Heritage Centre, Howard Mortimer, representing New Wallasey, and Ian Walker, of Birkenhead Hamilton Quarter.

Wirral Council Director of Leisure and Tourism Andrew Worthington introduced speakers such as Wirral Euro MP Lyndon Harrison and Government Minister for Film and Tourism, Tom Clarke.

Mr Clarke could not stay until the close of the conference but applauded Wirral Council for its efforts to put the borough on the international map through this Euro Wirral conference.

"Tourism is a major economic force with enormous job creation potential," he said. "It contributes £40 billion each year to the economy. The UK is now the fifth highest earner from international tourism, with five per cent of market share. Tourism has great powers of regeneration, too," the Minister told the audience.

Senior officers from Wirral Council, Alan Brown, Ray Brennen and Juggy Landay, representing Euro Wirral, mingled with delegates telling them about Wirral.

Wirral's Assistant Director of Tourism and Promotions Ray Wood, returning from a sick bed to attend the conference, further endorsed Wirral's commitment to tourism, regeneration and promoting Euro Wirral.

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