Fife hospitality and tourism sector to debate Tomorrow’s Tourism
Building on last year’s inaugural Tomorrow’s Tourism conference, it is hoped that more than 100 leading tourism businesses will join forces again to explore opportunities and discuss Tomorrow’s Tourism sector for Fife.
“Tourism is one of Scottish Enterprise’s key national priority industries aligned to global market opportunities which have real potential for Fife and for Scotland. This event will provide a platform on which to further the excellent work already underway to ensure that the Kingdom benefits from a prosperous and sustainable tourism industry,” comments Willie Johnston, tourism director at Scottish Enterprise in Fife, main sponsor of the conference.
The event boasts an impressive line-up of speakers, exhibitors and workshops that are designed to inspire, encourage and inform delegates.
Conference speakers include Jan Bebbington, Professor of Accounting and Sustainable Development at the School of Management, St Andrews University, and Vice Chair of the Sustainable Development Commission (the Government’s independent advisor on sustainable development). Jan will outline her thought-provoking vision of the future environment for tourism.
Jan comments: “In Scotland, tourism is seen as being crucial to our economic future and as an industry will be impacted by demand for more sustainable forms of development. There are no easy answers, the future is not business as usual… but the future is still an exciting place for tourism in Scotland to explore.”
Joining Jan, will be General Manager of the Old Course Hotel, Debbie Taylor. Previously general manager at Edinburgh’s prestigious Balmoral, many delegates are aware of Debbie’s impressive reputation for innovative people development and high standards of customer service and are keen to hear what she has to say.
Debbie comments: “In our industry today, everyone is investing – spending money on their product – expanding and refurbishing! But have we forgotten our biggest asset: our employees? By putting staff at the heart of your business, by investing in them and developing their talents it’s possible to achieve dramatic growth and outstanding business results.”
The Scottish Liqueur Centre will be providing a presentation and Nick White owner of the Inn at Lathones and Chair of the Fife Tourism Alliance will update the conference on recent developments. Workshops will include topics such as marketing, recruitment and customer service and delegates will have the opportunity to network over lunch.
The conference is being delivered by Springboard Scotland on behalf of partners Scottish Enterprise, VisitScotland, Fife Council, learndirect Scotland and Careers Scotland.
“Like the weather, tourism is constantly changing, so come along, hear what’s new and share your views,” is the message from Springboard Scotland’s Carolyn Baird.
The conference is free to local businesses but places are restricted so you are urged to register promptly by emailing fife@springboarduk.org.uk or phoning 07724 112954.
Date: Tuesday 26 February 2008
Venue: Balbirnie House Hotel, Markinch
Details: Fife conference for the tourism, hospitality & leisure industry
Carolyn Baird
Springboard Scotland
Mob: 07721442954
Email: carolynb@springboarduk.org.uk