Tourism seminar to consider recession busting ideas for the future season

The Highland Council will be hosting its annual tourism seminar in the Council chamber at headquarters on Wednesday 25th November. Around 90 delegates from tourism businesses across the Highlands will gather to discuss what the future holds for tourism in the Highlands.

Following a successful season, despite the difficult economic conditions, when more UK residents have chosen to holiday in the Highlands, delegates will be considering what needs to be done to ensure these visitors keep coming back.

Councillor Ian Ross, Chairman of the Council’s Planning, Environment and Development Committee, who will be chairing the seminar, said: “Tourism businesses in the Highlands seem to have fared better than other parts of the country during this recession with many visitors choosing to come to the Highlands rather than travel abroad.

He added: “In the course of our seminar we will be analysing future trends, looking at how the industry is structured in the Highlands, and considering what we need to do to ensure that we meet future visitor needs. As part of this exercise we will be seeking industry views on how The Highland Council can best serve the needs of tourism operators.”

Among the speakers contributing to the seminar will be Chris Greenwood, Strategic Research Analyst with VisitScotland, who will be looking at long term trends; Graeme Ambrose, Executive Director of Destination Loch Ness, outlining how their Destination Management Organisation has evolved and Marina Huggett from The Right Direction Group who will be explain the benefits of the DOVE project (Delivering Outstanding Visitor Experience).