At this year’s Land Leisure & Tourism Show, visitors will have the opportunity to hear directly from one of the industry’s most experienced voices as Deborah Heather FTS, Chair of The Tourism Society and Chief Executive of Visit Isle of Man, takes to the main theatre for a special fireside chat.

Taking place on Thursday 5 November from 10.30-11am, the session, titled “State of the Nation – Issues and Opportunities Facing the Tourism Industry”, will provide an informed look at where the tourism and hospitality sector stands today, and where it could be heading next.

With more than 30 years’ experience across hospitality and tourism, Deborah brings extensive leadership experience and a broad understanding of the forces shaping the industry. A graduate of the prestigious Cornell University General Manager Programme, she is Chief Executive of Visit Isle of Man and owner of QIA Services, the parent company of Quality in Tourism. Her career has given her experience across different areas of the visitor economy, providing a valuable perspective on the challenges businesses face and the opportunities available to those prepared to adapt.

Understanding a changing tourism landscape

For holiday parks, attractions, accommodation providers and other leisure businesses, understanding wider tourism trends is increasingly important. Visitor expectations continue to evolve, while operators must balance investment, service, staffing, sustainability and profitability.

Deborah’s fireside chat will explore some of the key developments shaping the sector, providing an opportunity to consider what they could mean for tourism businesses across the UK. The discussion will look at emerging trends, future opportunities and the challenges operators need to prepare for, with Deborah drawing on her own experience to provide a candid and practical perspective.

Rather than simply looking at the current state of the industry, the session will consider what comes next and how businesses can respond to a changing operating environment.

Bringing experience to the conversation

As Chair of The Tourism Society, Deborah is closely connected to the wider tourism community and its ongoing discussions around the future of the industry. Her role at Visit Isle of Man also provides first-hand insight into destination management and the importance of developing compelling visitor experiences.

For Land Leisure & Tourism Show visitors, the session offers an opportunity to step back from the day-to-day running of their businesses and consider the bigger picture, from changing consumer behaviour and market trends to the opportunities that could emerge as the sector continues to develop. Whether you operate a holiday park, visitor attraction, accommodation business or rural tourism destination, the issues discussed are likely to have relevance for businesses across the visitor economy.

Join Deborah Heather FTS for “State of the Nation – Issues and Opportunities Facing the Tourism Industry” on Thursday 5 November, from 10.30-11am, in the Land Leisure & Tourism main theatre.

Book you FREE ticket today!