The Outlander Effect
2017 saw a record number of visitors to Scotland with a 17% rise, and a 23% rise in send. There are many reasons visitors for visitors to come to Scotland, the phenomenal rise in visitors connected to the hit TV series and book, Outlander, clearly demonstrates the role it has played in these numbers.
From Local Hero, Highlander, Harry Potter and Skyfall through to The Outlaw King, Scotland has a track record of successful screen tourism. This panel session will discuss the benefits and opportunities, and how to maximise, the Outlander effect.
Chair
Jenni Steele
Film and Creative Industries Manager, VisitScotland
Jenni has over 20 years’ experience in tourism and public relations, event planning and corporate communications. She has developed screen tourism activity within the organisation over the last 12 years and has led significant campaigns with studios.
Speakers
Audrey Jones
Head of New Business and Film, Historic Environment Scotland
Audrey Jones is Head of New Business and Filming at Historic Environment Scotland. She is responsible for all commercial filming and photography which takes place in HES’s 300 properties. Audrey has spent over 30 years in the tourist industry in Scotland.
Bonnie Edgecombe
CEO, AbbyShot
Bonnie Edgecombe is the proud owner and CEO (Creator of Exciting Opportunities) of AbbyShot Clothiers, the finest licensed replica clothing from favourite TV shows for super-fans in the entire Universe! Since 2002, Bonnie has been providing authentic fandom fashion and accessories, made to wear everyday, for hard-core dedicated fans.
Freda Newton
Owner, Jacobite Cruises
Freda Newton is the owner and managing director of leading cruise tour experience Loch Ness by Jacobite. Since 2002 she has grown the business to become a must-do activity for tourists across the globe. Last year the company welcomed over 300,000 visitors to the loch.
Simon Dessain
Chief Executive, The List
Simon Dessain started as a software developer and rose to become managing director of a US software business responsible for operations in the US and 10 EU countries with over 100 staff. Subsequently, he took the role of CTO, and then CEO, of AIM listed Ingenta plc, a supplier of digital and web development services to academic publishing clients.
