Northamptonshire Tourism Conference 2026 to showcase opportunities for growth across the county’s visitor economy

15 July 2026

Tourism businesses and industry professionals from across the region are being invited to come together this Autumn as the Northamptonshire Tourism Conference returns for 2026. 

Organised by Discover Northamptonshire, the county’s Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), the conference will take place on Wednesday 7 October 2026 at Kettering Park Hotel & Spa and will provide a platform for businesses, attractions and tourism partners to explore opportunities for collaboration, growth and innovation across the visitor economy.  

The conference will feature industry-leading speakers, interactive sessions and networking opportunities, highlighting the important role tourism plays in supporting local businesses, attracting investment and strengthening Northamptonshire’s reputation as a destination for visitors.   

Ahead of the main conference programme, the Northamptonshire Tourism Business Network will host a dedicated morning networking session, bringing together representatives from the Heritage Forum, Hoteliers Forum, Made in Northamptonshire (MIN) Group and Restaurateurs Group to encourage greater partnership working across the sector.  

By connecting businesses and organisations from across the county, the event aims to foster new partnerships, encourage knowledge sharing and support the development of joined-up visitor experiences that enhance Northamptonshire’s tourism offer.  

Richard Clinton, Chair of Discover Northamptonshire, said: 

"The Northamptonshire Tourism Conference is a fantastic opportunity to bring together businesses and organisations from across the visitor economy. By sharing ideas, strengthening partnerships and working collaboratively, we can continue building a thriving and sustainable tourism sector that benefits communities and businesses throughout Northamptonshire."   

Cllr Gregory Wilcox, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Communities, said: 

"Tourism makes a significant contribution to the local economy in Northamptonshire, supporting jobs, attracting investment and helping to showcase our towns, villages, heritage attractions and beautiful countryside. Events such as the Northamptonshire Tourism Conference provide valuable opportunities for businesses and organisations to come together, share best practice and explore new ways to strengthen the county’s visitor economy." 

Cllr Kamala Guliyeva, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at WNC, said:  

“From our heritage sites and cultural venues to our events, countryside and hospitality businesses, Northamptonshire has a fantastic story to tell. 

“This conference brings together the people and organisations at the heart of our visitor economy, providing an opportunity to exchange ideas, share innovation and work together on how we tell Northamptonshire’s story to a wider audience.  

“By showcasing everything our county has to offer and creating memorable visitor experiences, we can encourage more people to discover Northamptonshire, enjoy what it has to offer and keep coming back for more.” 

The Northamptonshire Tourism Conference has become a key event in the county’s tourism calendar, offering an opportunity to celebrate success, recognise emerging opportunities and strengthen collaborative efforts to grow Northamptonshire’s visitor economy.  

Further information and booking details can be found on the Discover Northamptonshire website.