The CEO of UKHospitality, Kate Nicholls, and president of the NFU, Tom Bradshaw, are just two of the outstanding headline speakers heading to Cumbria for this autumn’s high-profile summit focusing on innovation and future trends in the tourism industry.


As Cumbria Tourism’s 50th anniversary year draws to a close, it will be shining a focus on the future - highlighting and discussing future challenges and possibilities. 
Supported by English Lakes Hotels, the event will take place at the Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa on Thursday, November 21 (9am-5pm).
As well as an inspiring line-up of speakers and panel sessions focusing on everything from AI to sustainable tourism and future visitor trends, there will be first-hand demonstrations of the technology being developed to help tomorrow’s visitors to experience the Lake District and Cumbria destination in creative new ways.
Kate said: “I’m delighted to be joining Cumbria Tourism to speak at this important event. Tourism and hospitality are two of the most innovative sectors out there and it’s crucial we’re able to come together to discuss future trends together as a sector, to best progress as an industry. 
“I’m looking forward to being part of the event and discussing how we can best utilise technology and other methods to ensure tourism remains at the cutting edge.”
Another speaker will be the director of global trends at Foresight Factory, Dominic Harrison, who will shine a spotlight on the changing global traveller - covering topics including traveller wellness, overtourism and the impact of AI on travel planning.
He said: “This session, along with the entire conference, will help to equip tourism operators and other stakeholders with the knowledge and insights needed to thrive in the increasingly competitive travel landscape of tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, Freddie New of Bitcoin Policy UK, said: “As physical cash vanishes, digital payments become ever more important to us all. Hospitality and tourism businesses may be particularly exposed to high card processing fees, and tipping in a cashless society is increasingly difficult, depriving workers who are at the sharp end of the hospitality industry of additional income. 
“I’m delighted to have been invited to speak on the potential of this technology and developments in the paytech space - and their potential advantages particularly for SMEs in the sector.”
The event will double up as a key fundraiser for Cumbria Tourism’s 50th Anniversary Charitable Fund to support new tourism talent.

There will also be a special emphasis on the next generation of tourism and hospitality ambassadors, with a number of places available for student delegates from around the country. 
Tickets are now on sale and Cumbria Tourism member businesses can secure a special member rate by emailing info@cumbriatourism.org.