More than 70 of North Yorkshire’s visitor-facing tourism professionals came together this February for the first Visit North Yorkshire Tourism Ambassador Day, hosted at Ampleforth Abbey.
The event was created to recognise and celebrate the vital role played by staff and volunteers in Tourist Information Centres and visitor-facing organisations across York and North Yorkshire, those who deliver the county’s warm welcome every day and serve as true ambassadors for the destination.
Attendees enjoyed a varied programme designed to share knowledge and best practice, spark ideas and create connections across the sector.
Speakers covered a range of themes from accessibility to AI, providing practical takeaways to implement in the year ahead.
Gillian Scotford from AccessibleUK delivered an insightful update on the value and impact of accessible tourism. She highlighted the importance of detailed, transparent information for visitors with access needs in order to reach the 16 million disabled people in the UK, worth over £14.6bn to the tourism industry.
Tony Watson, Head of Economy and Tourism at North Yorkshire Council, was joined virtually by Harry Johnson from the Lake District National Park Authority to explore the emerging role of AI in supporting the delivery of a world-class visitor welcome, showcasing how technology can support visitor information services without losing the human touch.
The day also allowed for an update on the work of Visit North Yorkshire and the evolving national tourism landscape including the rollout of VisitEngland’s Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) framework, which includes York & North Yorkshire as an accredited LVEP, an important development for regional collaboration and future growth.
To round off the day, delegates were invited to explore the impressive setting of Ampleforth Abbey, including a guided walk around the grounds and a visit to the Alban Roe House Visitor Centre, Tea Room, Abbey Shop and accommodation offer.
