The Summit Programme

Summit
Welcome

9.30

Veteran BBC reporter, Mark Simpson, kicks off the morning. Mark will oversee the sessions, interview guests and field questions from delegates.

Hotel Report
2020

09.40

The launch of this specially commissioned report will look at performance through the pandemic, challenges for the sector and the support needed for survival.

Hotel Performance
2020

10.00

The stats, the stars and the full story from Sarah Duignan of international benchmarking company, STR.

Tourism
Recovery

10.30

Niall Gibbons, CEO Tourism Ireland and John McGrillen, CEO Tourism Northern Ireland, on keeping the sector alive, consumer sentiments and support plans for the coming months.

Networking
Break

11.00

Grab a coffee from your kitchen and try some virtual networking using our linked social media and live forum.

The Minister
in Conversation

11.30

Minister Diane Dodds MLA will outline her support for the sector, plans to ensure its sustainability and the challenges of keeping Northern Ireland on the tourism map.

The Economic
Outlook

12.00

Neil Gibson, Chief Economist at EY, presents a tourism & hospitality perspective on the economy with insights into the effects of the pandemic, recovery and the stimulus required to restore business.

Industry
Opinion

12.30

A panel discussion on how to survive and what’s next for tourism in 2021.

The Staycation -
A Summer Success

13.00

Travel journalist, Pól Ó Conghaile, on what makes a super staycation.