Sunday, September 15, 2024 Caithness and Sutherland businesses are invited to participate in the return of Venture North’s popular Talking Tourism webinar series this September. The fully online sessions will explore key tourism topics, offering local businesses and communities a chance to stay informed on trends, challenges, and opportunities in the region. The series, which forms part of Venture North’s Destination Recovery Strategy funded by Highlands & Islands Enterprise and NRS Dounreay, will kick off on September 19, 2024.
This opening session will feature an informal discussion with the Venture North team, where participants can reflect on the 2024 tourism season. Planned topics include inclusive tourism, small business marketing, and a support session with VisitScotland. Additionally, the Highland Council Access Rangers will provide insights into visitor behavior—a highlight from the 2023 series, which saw record attendance.
Since its inception in March 2022, Talking Tourism has grown in popularity, providing accessible networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities, especially for rural businesses. Over 80 attendees participated in last year’s seven webinars, which covered essential topics like community tourism, staffing, and recruitment, attracting high engagement across the region. Local business leaders like Ellie Lamont, owner of Mackay’s Hotel in Wick, praised the series for offering “invaluable insights” that help businesses stay on top of industry trends and sustainable growth strategies.
Venture North, the Destination Management Organisation (DMO) for Caithness and Sutherland, continues its work in partnership with communities, businesses, and key government agencies, supporting responsible tourism management and sustainable development in the Far North..
