- This event has passed.
Tay Country Tourism Conference 2026
Join tourism and hospitality professionals from across Tayside and Fife for the Tay Country Tourism Conference 2026 taking place on Tuesday 3 March at the Apex City Quay Hotel in Dundee.
This is a key event designed to inspire collaboration, share insights, and drive sustainable growth across our regional tourism industry.
We’ve got an exciting agenda in store with topics such as artificial intelligence (AI) delivered by expert, Sam Weston, Head of AI & Marketing at 80 Days, who will delve into how AI is transforming the travel sector and how to move with it.
Vicki Miller, CEO of VisitScotland, will also share the latest insights and trends shaping the tourism landscape, joined by other industry leaders exploring destination best practices and regional collaboration.
You’ll also hear from innovative local businesses making a meaningful impact and enjoy valuable networking opportunities to connect with peers from across the region.
Whether you’re new to the tourism sector or an established operator, this is your chance to connect, learn, and shape the future of Tay Country tourism.
View the fully-released programme below:
| 08:30 | Registration & Networking |
| 09:30 | Welcome: Caroline Warburton, Destination Development Director, VisitScotland and Alistair Heather as host for the day |
| THE BIG PICTURE | |
| 09:45 | ‘Capitalising on the Transformation Economy – Scotland’s Competitive Advantage’ Vicki Miller, CEO, VisitScotland |
| 10:00 | ‘The Visitor Economy – the Icelandic Way’. Jóhannes Þór Skúlason, Managing Director, Icelandic Travel Industry Association |
| 10:25 | In Conversation (Q&A) with Vicki and Jóhannes – Alistair Heather |
| BUSINESS SHOWCASE | |
| 10:45 | Jillian McEwan, Co-founder, Lunan Bay Farm, Scottish Regenerative Cashmere & Goat Experiences. Rachael Loughlan, Festival Co-ordinator, Pittenweem Arts Festival |
| 11.10 | Morning Break – Networking & Refreshments |
| 11:30 | Chris Rowley, Owner & Executive Chef, Ballintaggart Farm Kim Cameron, Founder, Gin Bothy Dale Simpson, General Manager, Malmaison Dundee Tricia Fox, CEO, Cunningly Good Group & Marketing Lead for The Enchanted Forest Craig Cameron, Estate Factor, Teasses Estate Ashleigh Pink, Commercial Director, Dundee Heritage Trust Q&A |
| 12:30 | Lunch |
| THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT | |
| 13:30 | ‘Scotland’s Theatre in the Hills’. Dougie Cameron, Interim CEO, Pitlochry Festival Theatre |
| 13:45 | ‘Eden Project Scotland: Coming to Dundee’. Andy Jasper, Group CEO, Eden Project |
| 13:55 | ‘Inclusive Tourism: A Lived Experience Perspective’. Carrie-Ann Lightley, Writer, Speaker & Content Creator |
| 14:20 | ‘Preparing your tourism business for the age of AI’. Sam Weston, Head of AI & Marketing, 80 Days |
| 14:50 | Closing Remarks |
| 15:00 | Conference Closes |
