Shaping the next decade of tourism

Arrive, grab a coffee and take the opportunity to explore the exhibition and connect with fellow tourism and hospitality businesses from across the North-east.

Join us for the official welcome and an introduction to the day ahead.

Tourism Trends: Past, Present, and Future

Discover what today's visitors want, how consumer behaviour is changing, and what trends are expected to shape tourism in the coming years. Drawing on the latest findings from VisitAberdeenshire’s Annual Consumer Research, Tourism Analyst, David Edwards, will also share nuggets from the last 10 years and how it compares to where we are now.

State of the Sector

Where are we now? This opening discussion will explore how the sector has evolved over the past decade, the challenges businesses are navigating today, and the opportunities that lie ahead.

Fiona Stalker will be joined by, Claire Bruce MBE, Glen Tanar Estate, Bryan Snelling, CEO of Aberdeen Science Centre and Chair of North-east Scotland Visitor Attraction Forum, and Marc Crothall MBE, Scottish Tourism Alliance to provide insight into the trends, priorities and ambitions shaping the visitor economy and what they could mean for your business.

Get Rally Scotland Ready!

One of the world's most iconic events in motorsport is heading to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire in 2027, 2028 and 2029. Find out what this means for the region, the opportunities it presents for tourism and hospitality businesses, and how you can prepare to make the most of the visitors, media attention and economic impact it will bring. Hear from those behind the project, and tourism insight from Finland.

A chance to grab a refreshment, visit the exhibition and continue conversations with fellow delegates.

A Happy, Healthy Workforce

A happy, healthy workforce is essential to delivering great visitor experiences. Local community groups Men in Mind and Women in Mind founder, Andy Joss, will explore the importance of workplace wellbeing, the challenges facing employees today, and practical ways businesses can better support and retain their teams.

Inspiring Our Future Colleagues

This session will explore the importance of attracting, developing and retaining future talent within the tourism and hospitality sector. Through insights from businesses, students and alumni, delegates will hear first-hand experiences of taking part in industry development programmes and discover the benefits these opportunities can bring to both employers and young people.

Welcoming Visitors with Hidden Disabilities

Creating a welcoming experience for visitors starts with understanding different access needs. This session will provide insight into the experiences of people with hidden disabilities and explore how businesses can create more inclusive and accessible environments. Delegates will gain practical advice and a better understanding of the steps they can take to improve accessibility for visitors and customers.

Enjoy lunch, explore the exhibition and make time to connect with other businesses and organisations from across the region.

Delegates will be asked to pre-select two out of three breakout room options. Details to follow.

• Breakout one - Understanding the Incentive Travel Market, with Aberdeen Convention Bureau
• Breakout two -  Future-Proof Your Brand through the power of storytelling, with Mearns & Gill
• Breakout three - Attract more visitors with clearer accessibility information, with VisitAberdeenshire & VisitScotland

Another opportunity to refresh, explore the exhibition and connect with fellow delegates before the afternoon sessions begin.

Showtime! The Role of Performing & Creative Arts in the Visitor Economy

Arts and culture play a vital role in creating vibrant destinations and memorable visitor experiences. Discover how cultural attractions contribute to the visitor economy, strengthen place identity and create opportunities for collaboration across the tourism sector.

Where Transport is Taking Us

This panel session will explore the future of transport and its impact on tourism in the North-east. Discussions will focus on how transport is expected to evolve over the next decade, progress towards Net Zero ambitions, and the vital role connectivity plays in supporting the visitor economy.

Growth Opportunities for Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire

From outdoor adventure tourism and world-class golf to agritourism and business events, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire is home to a wealth of opportunities for tourism businesses.  This inspiring session will explore some of the region’s most promising growth sectors, emerging trends and future market opportunities.

Will Clarke, North East Adventure Tourism, Stuart Martin, VisitScotland’s Golf Tourism Manager, Rory Archibald, VisitScotland’s Business Events Manager, and Caroline Millar MBE, Scottish Agritourism, will discuss how businesses can tap into changing visitor demands, collaborate across sectors, and make the most of the unique assets that position the North-east as a leading destination for leisure, events and outdoor experiences

We'll bring the day to a close with a look back at the key themes, ideas and opportunities discussed throughout the conference and what they could mean for the next decade of tourism in the North-east.