Venture North online event will give a snapshot of Caithness and Sutherland visitor numbers
An online event next week will give tourism and hospitality business leaders in the far north a snapshot of visitor numbers over the summer 2022 season.
The free Talking Tourism session is being led by Venture North, the destination management organisation for Caithness and Sutherland.
Philip Waite, outdoor access and long-distance route manager, and Highland Council access rangers from across the far north will be giving their insights during the one-hour event on Friday, October 7, starting at noon.
There will also be a question-and-answer session and a discussion in which those attending can offer their own thoughts.
The ongoing Talking Tourism initiative is being run for tourism and hospitality businesses in Caithness and Sutherland, local community organisations, development trusts and tourism stakeholders.
Ailsa Neilson, business support and skills development coordinator for Venture North, said: “As the busy summer season begins to wind down, we’re really pleased to be teaming up with the Highland Council access rangers to reveal the latest visitor management insights for Caithness and Sutherland.
“This is the latest in a series of online Talking Tourism events that Venture North has staged over the last year to help inform and support tourism businesses and communities across the region. We hope to welcome some new faces and regular attendees to our free online event on October 7.
“As part of our ongoing aim to improve visitor management across the region, Venture North will also be sharing its own work in this area as well as some of our own key responsible tourism messages.”
Earlier this year, Venture North staged a pilot series of virtual Talking Tourism events and in-person Destination Update sessions for tourism businesses and communities. Themes included "Destination recovery plans", "What does net-zero and sustainable tourism look like for us?" and "How can we encourage people to pursue careers in tourism and hospitality?".
Guest participants and speakers included representatives from Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the University of Highlands and Islands, North West Highlands Geopark, VisitScotland, Developing the Young Workforce, North Highlands and Islands Climate Hub and Highland Coast Hotels.
Venture North says there has been a positive response to its online events.
The organisation is leading the development and delivery of the Tourism Destination Recovery Strategy (2021-23). Core funding support is provided by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd and other partners.
To register for the event on October 7, go to the Eventbrite website or email ailsa@venture-north.co.uk
