Cumbria Tourism has announced the date for a high-profile tourism innovation and future trends summit, and Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa is to play host to it.
Innovation Summit
From AI and robotics technology to cutting-edge design and new immersive experiences, the showcase event on 21 November 2024 is to focus on trends and innovations which the tourism sector will need to explore and plan for. Around 200 tourism and hospitality delegates are expected to attend.
Sponsored by English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues, the innovation summit is set to feature inspirational talks from national and international experts. It is planned to include first-hand demonstrations of creative technology being developed to improve visitor experiences for those coming to the Lake District.
International consumer trends agency Foresight Factory Already are due to attend as keynote speakers, and there will also be a session featuring a European Space Agency-funded project which Cumbria Tourism is involved in. This is testing satellite technology to promote recommended routes and low-carbon travel plans for visitors.
English Lakes Hotels is already adopting new technologies and innovation across its hotels in the Lake District and North Lancashire, not least in terms of sustainability and renewable energy. It’s hydropower turbine project at Low Wood Bay is a prime example, with various solar power and biomass initiatives also being developed.
Around a third of Low Wood Bay’s current electricity needs can be drawn from generating its own power with its on-site hydroelectric turbine. Using a pipeline from the fellside beck, the automated hydropower system manages flow and output in relation to the available water. It generates around 53-60kW to achieve up to 200MWh of electricity per year.
Low Wood Bay is also highly regarded for its Lake District conference facilities, with capacity to cater for over 300 delegates at large business exhibitions and events, plus a selection of small or large meeting rooms for holding training courses and seminars.
"We are thrilled to be bringing this nationally significant summit to Cumbria, and specifically to Low Wood Bay, in our 50th anniversary year. Our industry is constantly innovating, and this special event is an exciting opportunity for tourism professionals to come together against a backdrop of innovation, inspiration and transformative ideas. The conference will give us a collective glimpse of the future and enable us to explore and discuss emerging opportunities and the right solutions for Cumbria’s visitor economy businesses."
"The team here is determined to provide the warmest of welcomes for the delegates who will attend this important summit. We hope that the conferencing facilities at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa and the spectacular backdrop of the Lake District fells will provide them with inspiration and time to look at new ways of working. Innovation is integral to our thinking too. We always encourage our team members to be creative and look for ways to enhance what we do – in technology, modern comforts and service - to give guests more enjoyable stays with us."
50th Anniversary Charitable Fund
The summit will also be a fundraiser for Cumbria Tourism’s 50th Anniversary Charitable Fund in partnership with Cumbria Community Foundation. This aims to raise £50,000 in 2024 and to continue providing financial support for new tourism talent in terms of specialist equipment, training and study materials and travel costs.
Further Information
To express an interest in contributing to the speaker line-up for the Innovation and Future Trends summit, or to discuss sponsorship opportunities, contact Cumbria Tourism.