North Highland conference to look at responsible tourism
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THE largest tourism conference staged in the north is to focus on responsible tourism and the opportunities created by the North Coast 500 route.
The North Highland Initiative event, in partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses, will bring together more than 160 delegates from across the region for a day of talks, presentations and networking opportunities.
Taking place on Wednesday, October 30, at Achnagairn Estate, Kirkhill, by Inverness, Responsible Tourism – What Does It Mean For Your Business? is billed as an opportunity for business owners and public sector professionals to exchange experiences, views and ideas, and to discuss the opportunities created by the success of the North Coast 500 route.
The conference will open with a presentation by Professor John Lennon, director of the Moffat Centre for Travel and Tourism Business Development at Glasgow Caledonian University, who will discuss the findings of his official North Coast 500 evaluation report.
Published earlier this month, the report found that the NC500 route generated more than £22.89 million in gross value added throughout 2018, created 180 full-time-equivalent jobs in the north Highlands within the same time period, and boosted visitors numbers to paid attractions by 41.7 per cent.
Speakers will include Councillor Carolyn Wilson, who will discuss the Cromarty Firth ward and how the area has adapted to the tourist market, and David Whiteford, chairman of the North Highland Initiative, who will unveil the company’s new vision for responsible tourism throughout the area.
Mr Whiteford said: “Economic growth and business development throughout the north Highland region are top priorities for the North Highland Initiative. The North Coast 500 route has been phenomenally successful in promoting the area as a whole and has played an enormous role in boosting investment in the area, to the tune of more than £22 million in 2018 alone.
“Looking ahead to 2020, our focus must now centre not only on identifying further opportunities for businesses to benefit from this economic boost, but also on responsible tourism and ways in which we can support north Highland communities in order to ensure that tourism growth is sustainable.
“Our autumn conference is an opportunity for businesses throughout the North Highlands to work together – to meet for one day, but ultimately to strengthen collaborations for weeks and months to come.
“I look forward to welcoming businesses owners and representatives from across the North Highlands to Achnagairn Estate. Spaces are free, but seats are booking up fast, so please do reserve your ticket as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.”
The conference will run from 9am to 4pm and complimentary tickets can be reserved through www.eventbrite.co.uk
