Exploring how you can leverage cross-referencing and technological advancements to shape the future of the tourism sector.

Last year, the UK's National Innovation Centre for Ageing held an event in partnership with Destination North East England to get the region talking about how the Tourism and Longevity sectors can combine to create 'Healthy Longevity as a Destination'.

Continuing their work exploring the relationship between tourism and longevity in the North East, the Internet of Caring Things® programme is launching a new workshop series 'Shaping the Future of Tourism in the North East'

The workshops will explore:

• How businesses can cater better for all ages by implementing universal design
• How businesses can improve customer satisfaction during a visit by considering the end-to-end user journey
• How cross-referencing can be promoted between businesses in the region
• User-centred opportunities for digitisation within the travel and tourism sector

The sessions will bring together participants to share findings and generate ideas, working collaboratively to enhance the region's travel and tourism economy to stimulate growth. After introductions from Destination North East England and the Internet of Caring Things® programme, the workshops will be full of interactive activies and lively discussions.

These workshops are being delivered as part of the Internet of Caring Things® Funded Support Programme. Throughout the next series of 4 workshops, they are looking forward to welcoming over 40 new-to-programme businesses that are operating in the tourism sector including but not limited to Accommodation Providers, Destination Venues, Excursions/Tours, Events and Activities, Transport and Travel.

Workshop Locations:

Workshop 1 Newcastle - The Core - 17 April 2024

Workshop 2 Northumberland - Alnwick Gardens - 15 May 2024

Workshop 3 Hexham - Venue TBC - 05 June 2024

Workshop 4 Newcastle - Catalyst - 17 July 2024

Please note: To be eligible for this workshop you must be a company registered within the North of Tyne region (Newcastle, North Tyneside or Northumberland) The IoCT team will contact you to confirm your seat. Due to high demand and our commitment to offering the best quality services and outcomes for businesses, any qualifying businesses that do not receive a space will be placed on a waiting list.

This event is brought to you by the Internet of Caring Things® programme

Your personal data will be stored securely in line with regulations set out under GDPR. Registration data may be shared with essential programme and event partners or the funder for the purpose of the IoCT™ programme and evaluation.

If you have any questions about the event or are interested in learning more about the Internet of Caring Things® programme, please contact: ioct@ncl.ac.uk

About the Internet of Caring Things® programme

The Internet of Caring Things® is a network of connected devices and services with a clear mission: to actively care for people – their physical and mental well-being – and what really matters to them – such as leisure, safety and security, pets, planet, sustainability and connecting with family and friends.

A £5.6 million pound project running through to 2027, the Internet of Caring Things® programme is delivered by U.K. National Innovation Centre Ageing (NICA), VOICE® and Centre of Process Innovation (CPI) to support economic growth and improve the health and wellbeing of those living and working in the North of Tyne. Together they are developing the first network of connected objects and cognitive systems with a clear mission: to actively care for people and what matters to them.

This project is part-funded by the North of Tyne Combined Authority and Newcastle University, in partnership with Centre of Process Innovation (CPI).