Welcome to SkyeConnect's 2019 Spring Conference being held at the Sligachan Hotel on 6th March from 0930-1530 This is a key event in this year's Scottish Tourism Month being held throughout March.

A full day networking event with a full programme of presentations, workshops and discussion with the principal theme of 'Exceeding Vistor Expectations'. SkyeConnect will be formally launching #SKYETIME, a new area-wide initative encouraging visitors to 'stay longer, see less, experience more'.

The closing address will be presented by Marc Crothall, Chief Executive of the Scottish Tourism Alliance, the voice of tourism in Scotland.

Tickets are priced at £15.00 with free admission to SkyeConnect members. Joining is easy and membership rates are from £45.00. www.skye-connect.com/join

Further information will be shown when available on the SkyeConnect website www.skye-connect.com/news

The programme for the day is shown below and may be subject to change without notice.

SkyeConnect Spring Conference, and leaflet swap – Sligachan Hotel

March 6th

Theme – “Exceeding Visitor Expectations” Business conference, + pre-season leaflet swap

9:30 Pre-conference meeting Directors and members.

10:15 – 10:45 Arrivals

10:45 – 11:00 Welcome + outline of day Shirley Spear

11:00 – 11:30 #SkyeTime launch and walk through – Peter McDermott + Simon Cousins

11:30 – 12:30 Slow Tourism – Panel Discussion + debate chaired by Chris Taylor VisitScotland, panel members Sara Bellshaw – SlowAdventure UHI, Rosie Somerville (SkyeTrak Safari), Angela Mercer (Wild Scotland) , David MacDonald – Portree Tours

12:30 - 13:30 Lunch, networking (Session with West Highland College) *

13:30 – 14:00 Speaker 1 Options for strengthening business offer through Promoting Gaelic language – Ro-innleachd Turasachd na Gàidhlig do dh’Alba | Scotland’s Gaelic Tourism Strategy, 2018-2023 VS Gaelic language strategy – Anna Walker – Bòrd na Gàidhlig

Speaker 2 Recognising, valuing and promoting our culture – Dr. Coinneach Maclean – Blue Badge Guide (and much more!)

14:00 – 14:30 Community contribution to Tourism – Staffin Trust Angus Murray and Kyle and Lochalsh Community Trust Cheryl McIntyre

14:30 – 15:00 SkyeConnect Project Manager update – Alistair Danter

15:00 – 15:30 The STA, the National Tourism Strategy & Food Tourism updates

– Marc Crothall, CEO Scottish Tourism Alliance

15:30 Closing comments, Tea, Coffee and cakes

*WHC would like to meet with hospitality businesses to discuss training requirements in order to feed into curriculum development at the college.

We look forward to seeing you at the Sligachan Hotel on 6th March!