Discover Northamptonshire Tourism Conference to supercharge Visitor Economy

30 September 2026

Tourism, culture and heritage leaders from across the county will come together on 7 October to explore how Northamptonshire can seize major opportunities and build a stronger, more connected visitor economy. And your business could be in the room.

The Discover Northamptonshire Tourism Conference takes place on Wednesday 7 October at Kettering Park Hotel - bringing together businesses and industry voices to answer the question: What does Northamptonshire’s next chapter as a visitor destination look like?

With the county’s tourism sector approaching opportunities from new investment and major visitor attractions - to growing international markets and rapidly changing consumer behaviour - the conference will showcase how Northamptonshire will capitalise on its potential and benefit from local and regional growth, with international attention.

Universal Studios, Model Britain and Corby Town of Culture bid along with major new investment in the county is heading our way. The significant timing of the Conference amidst these sector updates is crucial for making sure Northamptonshire's businesses are ready for growth. Hearing from DCMS and VisitEngland will help us see the opportunities amongst the national picture, and I'm especially looking forward to our discussion on accessibility with All In, in our quest to make Northamptonshire the most accessible county it can be. There is still time to join, so book your place and join us on 7 October.Richard Clinton, Chair of Discover Northamptonshire

The conference will explore a range of topics on how to develop Northamptonshire as a must-visit destination - and the important role of culture, heritage and major attractions in raising the county’s profile. Accessibility will also take centre stage, with a dedicated discussion asking how Northamptonshire can become England’s most accessible county.

This conference is an exciting opportunity for destinations countywide to advance their accessibility journeys, but we must master the basics first. The biggest barrier is a lack of clear, proactively promoted information, which forces disabled people to spend hours researching - a tedious process that often deters travel entirely, leaving everyone to lose out. As a wheelchair user, I urge attendees to come with an open mind, ask questions, and engage with us; we are here to support you.Nick Wilson, Accessibility Content Creator

Practical “break out” sessions will also focus on travel trade partnerships, funding, investment and marketing - while the growing influence of artificial intelligence will prompt discussion around how visitors are discovering and choosing destinations – and what tourism businesses need to do to remain visible.

We’re starting the day by bringing together more than 150 visitor experiences through a brilliant collaboration between the Tourism Business Network, Heritage Forum, Hoteliers Forum, Made In Northamptonshire Group and Restaurateurs Group. Our morning of networking, followed by the conference with talks and “break out” sessions, is about building the partnerships that can create a more connected and compelling visitor experience across Northamptonshire.Kate Dent, Discover Northamptonshire Board member and Tourism Business Network lead

Tourism plays a vital role in strengthening our local economy, supporting jobs and showcasing everything that makes Northamptonshire a great place to visit, live, invest and raise a family. As we look ahead to exciting new opportunities across the county, it is important that businesses, attractions and organisations work together to maximise our potential. The Discover Northamptonshire Tourism Conference provides a valuable opportunity to share ideas, build partnerships and help shape a confident future for our visitor economy.Cllr Martin Griffiths, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council

Northamptonshire has all the ingredients of a great visitor destination, from rich heritage and culture to major events and outstanding attractions. With strong investment and growing opportunities across the South Midlands, this conference will help bring partners together to drive growth, attract investment and strengthen our reputation as a place people want to visit, work and invest. I’m particularly looking forward to hearing from Universal Studios UK and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport about the opportunities ahead.Cllr Mark Arnull, Leader of West Northants Council

From accessibility and culture to investment, international tourism and AI, the conference aims to bring the sector together to consider how Northamptonshire can turn its tourism potential into meaningful opportunities for businesses, communities and visitors - and how we can start this work now.

If you are a business, group or organisation within this space, then make sure you don’t miss out - secure your place at the Discover Northamptonshire Tourism Conference and join them on this journey.

For more information on the speakers, themes and insight into the opportunities for the tourism sector in Northamptonshire – and to book your places – visit the Discover Northamptonshire website.