Conference considers climate change

The topic of climate change will be among the themes covered at this year’s Highland Tourism Conference.

Jamie Brogan, Head of Climate Partnerships at the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute in the University of Edinburgh, will give the keynote address at the annual conference of more than 150 delegates working in the tourism and events industry in the Highlands.

He will encourage them to consider how climate change might impact their business and how action can make a difference. He will also offer advice for businesses on what they can do and where to start.

The theme of responsible tourism is threaded though the agenda of the conference, being held today (November 28) at The Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness.

The conference will also provide presentations, workshops and exhibitions from a range of organisations and experienced industry professionals to offer inspiration, market insights and practical solutions to help tourism and events businesses take advantage of a host of new opportunities to increase visitor numbers and enhance the visitor experience.

These include climate action planning, tourism trends and insights, marketing your business and tourism as a force for good.

Jamie Brogan, Head of Climate Partnership at the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute, said: “The need to act on climate is becoming a business imperative to which tourism has to respond. Even beyond the need to play your part in tackling the climate crisis, your customers, communities, funders and other stakeholders will be looking for visible actions.

“Tourism businesses of any size should recognise and be confident in the role they can play – looking beyond just reducing the climate impact of operating their own business and into the multiple roles that tourism businesses can play; in influencing, advising and educating staff, suppliers and customers; in leading, supporting or contributing to sustainable communities across the Highlands; and in developing and offering new experiences with sustainability at their core. Taking the lead on climate and sustainability is good for business, good for the communities in which the operate, and good for the planet.”

Mr Brogan has spent over 20 years providing both strategic and practical advice to small and growing businesses and has brought that experience and approach to the huge and complex problem of tackling climate change. He is one of the UK leads for the place-based climate action network, which is putting in place innovative approaches to help accelerate and support local climate action.

He is hugely passionate about the economy and environment of the Highlands and Islands, having walked and cycled the length and breadth of them in being a ‘compleatist’ of all the Munros and Corbetts.

Businesses from the region’s tourism and events sector will receive practical advice about collaborative working across the region, whilst making crucial contacts and exploring potential partnerships.

Other speakers at today’s event include Irene Roberts, UKIR Director for Market and Management at Expedia, who will discuss current and upcoming trends and insights and Cat Leaver, Head of Brand and Global Marketing at VisitScotland, who will talk about sharing Scotland’s stories with the world. She will also speak about marketing tactics and channels of interest, including influencer marketing and content creation.

Delegates will have an opportunity to network and take part in a Q&A with speakers as well as attend workshops with industry peers and organisations from across the Highlands, on the theme of climate change action.

Today, many consumers rely on intermediary booking channels as trusted sources for booking their holidays. This includes search engines and online travel agents such as booking.com or Expedia, or working with travel distributors such as Destination Management Companies (DMCs), tour operators or personal travel advisors.

VisitScotland will lead two workshops at the conference - on travel distribution and on inclusive tourism. Being inclusive and accessible to all potential customers is rightly growing in importance, and those who get it right will reap the benefits of accessing a loyal customer base.

In the afternoon, a showcase of award-winning Highland businesses – who all triumphed in their respective categories at this year’s Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards (HITA) – will share their stories of tourism as a force for good. These include the Duisdale House Hotel, who won the category of Best Hotel Experience; Gairloch and Loch Ewe Action Forum (GALE), who were victorious in the category of Celebrating Thriving Communities and the Stories of Scotland Podcast who won in the category of Innovation in Tourism.

Cory Jones, Chair of the Gairloch and Loch Ewe Action Forum (GALE) Board of Directors, said: “It’s an honour to be asked to represent GALE here today and to present at the business showcase session. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share our story and I hope it inspires and motivates others.

“GALE firmly believes in celebrating thriving communities, and the Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards provide a platform to showcase the incredible work being done by the region’s tourism industry. By participating, we aim to highlight the positive impact our organisation has had on our community and inspire others to do the same.

“Entering the awards allowed us to reflect on our accomplishments and the positive changes we have brought about in our operating area. Moreover, being part of the awards has provided us with valuable exposure and recognition within the tourism industry, helping to raise our profile and attract even more support for our work.

“To anyone considering entering HITA, I would wholeheartedly encourage you to do so. These awards not only celebrate success but also provide an opportunity for personal growth and learning. It is a chance to showcase your achievements, connect with like-minded individuals, and form valuable partnerships with other tourism businesses in the Highlands. By participating, you contribute to the continued growth and success of our region.”

Delegates will hear their inspiring, innovative and first-hand experiences of the positive impact of tourism, how it’s helped their business and communities - and how it can benefit other tourism and events businesses.

Chris Taylor, VisitScotland’s Director of Destination Development, said: “This year’s conference demonstrates our support for the tourism and events sector through the provision of excellent information and advice from our speakers, as well as via the breakout and workshop sessions.

“As well as the opportunity to network, we want to create the opportunity for businesses to learn from each other and get involved in discussions on some of the current issues and challenges affecting the industry.

“Responsible and sustainable tourism remain high on the agenda today, with increasing evidence and insight to support the unique experiences and products that visitors are looking for during their stay in the Highlands. However, this needs to be sensitively balanced amid the current cost challenges. 

“Tourism is a force for good and its impact spreads far beyond the industry itself - it benefits our economy, our community and our wellbeing. VisitScotland is committed to championing change to shape the responsible growth of Scotland’s valuable tourism and events industry in a way that respects people and places.”

For more information about the Highland Tourism Conference 2023, visit: https://visitscotland.eventsair.com/highland-tourism-conference-2023