VisitAberdeenshire hosted the much-anticipated North-east Tourism Conference in association with Loganair this week at P&J Live, attracting a vibrant audience of industry professionals eager to shape the future of the region’s visitor economy.
More than 200 delegates, exhibitors and sponsors attended the day-long event. With themes of “Our Visitors,” “Our People and Businesses,” and “Our Place,” the event explored ways to engage and retain visitors, meanwhile building on tourism’s regional economic growth.
Delegates were captivated by a stellar line-up of speakers, which included Dame Evelyn Glennie, internationally renowned percussionist and Chancellor of Robert Gordon University, who inspired with her insights on fostering an inclusive, listening culture in tourism, and Vicki Miller, VisitScotland’s new CEO, who emphasised the importance of creating immersive, authentic year-round experiences to maximise visitor engagement.
The dynamic contribution of three hospitality apprenticeship graduates demonstrated that the future of the sector is in good hands, whatever the motivation for a visit.
The sector’s potential for growth was captured in a session that highlighted the opportunity arising from Aberdeen’s hosting of the Tall Ships Race next summer, an event that encapsulates confidence in the city as a visitor destination by Aberdeen City Council, Port of Aberdeen and Aberdeen Inspired.
Chris Foy, CEO, VisitAberdeenshire, said: “The buzz in the room was palpable. Delegates left with fresh ideas, valuable connections and the insights and enthusiasm shared at the conference reaffirm the North-east’s position as a must-visit destination, and the place where Scottish tourism has the capacity the grow.”
VisitAberdeenshire has also published the results its annual consumer survey, highlighting exploring the motivations, preferences and perceptions of 1,600 residents from across the UK.
Read more here.
