Momentum is building for an exciting event this autumn exploring the future trends and innovations set to transform tourism and hospitality in the coming months and years.
Cumbria Tourism’s ‘Future Trends and Innovation Conference’ takes place at the Low Wood Bay Resort on Thursday 21 November and is one of the showpiece events of the organisation’s 50th Anniversary year.
The day will explore the future of tourism, equipping businesses with the ‘must have’ knowledge and skills they need to embrace new ideas and technologies – and enter 2025 with renewed confidence for the future.
The schedule includes an expert line-up of speakers featuring the CEO of UKHospitality, Kate Nicholls OBE, who will focus on ‘responding to a changing workforce’.
She says: “I’m delighted to be joining Cumbria Tourism to speak at this important event. Tourism and hospitality are two of the most innovative sectors out there and it’s crucial we’re able to come together to discuss future trends together. “I’m looking forward to being part of the event and discussing how we can best utilise technology and other methods to ensure tourism remains at the cutting edge.”
Meanwhile the President of the NFU, Tom Bradshaw – and Director of the renowned Hampton Manor, James Hill – are both keynote speakers on the theme of ‘sustainable food futures’.
A session on ‘rethinking travel and transport’ will feature the CEO of ‘You. Smart. Thing.’ Chris Thompson. He will highlight a European Space Agency-funded project Cumbria Tourism is involved in – testing satellite technology to promote recommended routes and low-carbon travel plans for visitors.
Other speakers include Freddie New (Head of Policy at Bitcoin Policy UK), Nick Hall (CEO of Digital Tourism Think Tank) and Dominic Harrison (Director of Content at Foresight Factory). Plus, specialist facilitators supporting debate and panel discussions throughout the day will include England Director at VisitBritain, Andrew Stokes OBE.
Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism, Gill Haigh, says: “Our industry is constantly innovating, and this is an exciting opportunity for tourism professionals to come together against a backdrop of innovation, inspiration and transformative ideas to add real value to their business.“It will give us a collective glimpse of the future and enable people not only to explore what’s around the corner, but help them to develop the right solutions to stay one step ahead of the competition in a world where new technology is evolving fast.”
Importantly, attendees will also hear from the next generation of tourism talent who will share their predictions for the future, with all proceeds going towards Cumbria Tourism’s 50th Anniversary Charitable Fund.
Set up in conjunction with Cumbria Community Foundation, the fund is all about kickstarting training and careers in tourism and hospitality, and helping tackle the recruitment and retention challenges facing the industry.
There will also be plenty of time for networking with other businesses, suppliers, speakers and panellists, plus refreshments throughout the day including a two-course lunch.
To secure a ticket, visit: www.cumbriatourism.org/upcoming-events
Cumbria Tourism members receive an exclusive discount for the conference and can contact the team via info@cumbriatourism.org for their discount code.