An event for tourism professionals in the North-east is offering a glimpse into the future of the industry, without the need for a crystal ball.
The Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Conference, held on March 15 at the Jurys Inn Aberdeen Airport hotel, will provide a wealth of information about the changing shape of tourism in the area, as well as detailing how advances in technology can be used to improve the customer experience.
Steve Harris, chief executive of VisitAberdeen, will outline the remit of the north east’s new destination organisation, and how it will ensure that all areas of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire are given top billing when marketing the region to potential visitors.
The conference will also address the changes in digital technologies and social media that tourism operators can use to their advantage, driving sales and ensuring that customers have the best possible experience while visiting Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
Claire Bruce, chair of the Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Partnership, says, “The tourism industry is constantly shifting, and the future looks bright in the north east of Scotland. The new destination organisation will allow tourism professionals to work closely together to maximise the impact of their businesses, and delegates at the Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Conference will be among the first to hear all about it.
“While it is widely known that Brits book later than other European holidaymakers, it is also true that they consume the largest amount of travel advertising before making their final decision. Around 36% of UK internet users are now also happy to purchase goods via social media, and this number is likely to increase in coming years. It is important that tourism operators are constantly evolving their businesses in order to interact with their customers in a dynamic manner, providing them with the materials and two-way dialogue they need to make an informed decision.”
Alongside Steve Harris, a number of other speakers will address issues pertinent to tourism operators in the north east, including innovation specialist Moira Forsyth and Vicki Miller, head of customer experience at VisitScotland. Delegates will also have the opportunity to learn first-hand from industry experts in a series of optional one-to-one surgery sessions on key topics – including social media, web development, quality assurance, marketing opportunities and innovation.
Registration for the Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Conference, which is being organised by the Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Partnership, is now open. Delegates pay just £30 (excluding VAT) to attend the conference, which will allow them access to speeches, question and answer panels, networking, and industry exhibitors. Online booking is available at www.regonline.co.uk/aberdeentourism2016
Use #abdntourism to join the conversation on social media, and follow the Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Conference on Twitter @abdntourismconf and Facebook at www.facebook.com/aberdeencityandshiretourismconference