Highland Tourism Conference Returns To The Capital - 29 November 2022

10th November 2022

At today's (Thursday 10 November 2022) Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Members were delighted to announce the return of the Highland Tourism Annual Conference 2022, which will return to the Kingsmill Hotel, Inverness on Tuesday 29 November 2022.

In partnership, The Highland Council and VisitScotland will jointly host the event after a two year hiatus. The day offers a packed programme, filled with insights and workshops delivered by tourism experts, who will be on hand to provide inspiration, practical advice, and an opportunity to re-connect, celebrate, inform, and help steer Highland Tourism businesses forward in line with the national ambition to be leaders in 21st century tourism.

Economy and Infrastructure Chair, Cllr Ken Gowans said: "The return of the Highland Tourism Conference to Inverness is very much welcomed after a very turbulent time for all Highland tourism businesses. The event line-up has a particular focus on economic recovery, place planning and tourism development with communities and the environment at the heart of the programme.

"I'd encourage businesses to sign-up and get involved as together we can continue to navigate new opportunities to allow Highland tourism businesses to flourish and showcase to the world that Highland is a first class destination waiting to be discovered."

As the tourism sector continues to recover from the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, face new challenges due to global factors and the cost of living crisis, now is a really important time for Highland tourism businesses to unite, collaborate and proactively develop tourism across Highland with a strong focus on place planning, communities, and responsible and sustainable tourism to help economic recovery.

A focus on the day will be that of Highland communities, offering an insight into the place planning process and its ability to engage and encourage organisations and communities to coordinate resources and take a proactive role in defining the future of their local places. The Highland Council's Head of Community Support and Engagement, Alison Clark and Development Plans Manager, Scott Dalgarno will present on the benefits of place planning, attendees will also hear from local groups who are leading the way in their ambitions to create a better place to live, visit and thrive.

In the wake of the ongoing financial challenges faced by businesses, ticket prices remain fixed from 2019 at £25+VAT per person and includes lunch, an inspiring line-up of speakers and a chance to network with industry peers and agencies across the region. There will also be choice of an afternoon workshops to explore ways you can develop your business, reach customers, and implement responsible tourism practices.

Early booking is recommended as the event is normally a sell-out, look on the conference website for the full agenda.
https://visitscotland.eventsair.com/highland-tourism-conference-2022/

Schedule

9:00 AM - 9:30 AM Registration and networking

9:30 AM - 9:45 AM Welcome

9:45 AM - 10:30 AM Paddy Mathews, Fáilte Ireland

10:30 AM - 10:45 AM Communities at the heart of place planning

10:45 AM - 11:15 AM Morning Break

11:15 AM - 12:15 PM Showcasing community led tourism initiatives

12:15 PM - 1:15 PM Lunch

Workshops

1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
Euan's Guide - Accessibility for tourism
Digital Decarbonisation
Networking
Green Tourism

2:15 PM - 3:15 PM Going Net Zero | discussion & industry showcase

3:15 PM - 3:25 PM Looking ahead to 2030 and beyond

3:25 PM - 3:30 PM Closing Remarks

PHOTO
Looking up the river Ness