Visit York Tourism Conference 2027

Sponsored by LNER

The Visit York Tourism Conference returns to York St John University on 12th January 2027. 'Tourism Through Time' will explore how tourism has shaped places, communities and economies across generations, and why it remains a powerful force for regeneration and innovation today. Join industry leaders and destination experts to examine the sector’s value and impact and the opportunities that lie ahead.

The conference will include the premiere of York: A City Shaped by Tourism, a short film commissioned by York Business School at York St John University, in collaboration with Hewitt & Walker and Yorkshire Film Archive. The film is a celebration of York's remarkable tourism story, from its rich heritage and the people who have shaped the city to future opportunities and possibilities. Looking back at where we've come from, celebrating who we are today and imagining what the future of tourism in York could look like.

The speakers will include:

• Dr Brendan Paddison (Host)
• Sarah Loftus, Managing Director, Make It York
• Andrew Stokes, Director, VisitEngland
• Katerina Rysova, Senior Insights Manager, VisitBritain
• David Flesher, Commercial Director, LNER
• Kieron Smith, Artistic Director, Mr Smith Entertainment Ltd

For more detail on the conference and the speakers, click here.

The conference is free to attend for Visit York Members. Not a Visit York member? Find out more here.