Newcastle is set to host an international conference which will see hundreds of global leaders in digital tourism descend on the region.
The city will stage the X. Design Week (XDW) 2025 in June, following in the footsteps of previous events in Cologne, Valencia and Athens. The leading tourism innovation conference takes place from June 3 to June 6, and will see businesses explore AI, digital innovation and immersive storytelling within tourism.
The world-renowned event is supported by England’s first Destination Development Partnership, Destination North East England, a pilot led by NewcastleGateshead Initiative which is working with delivery partners Visit Northumberland, Visit County Durham and in partnership with the North East Combined Authority and all seven local authorities, to unlock growth potential of the visitor economy.
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XDW 2025 will brings together global leaders in digital tourism, creative professionals and visitor economy strategists at The Catalyst in Newcastle’s Helix district, in moves which will shape the tourism of tomorrow. Destination North East England has worked with organisers at Digital Tourism Think Tank to offer businesses in the area a discounted rate to attend, ensuring North East visitor economy professionals, with a particular interest in digital, creative and technology can attend.
Regional leaders said securing the international event, with support from the NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau, marks a major coup for the region. The four-day event is expected to showcase the area’s industrious past as well as its future as a global innovation powerhouse.
Ian Thomas, chief operating officer at NewcastleGateshead Initiative said: “As the region continues to evolve as an internationally recognised hub for creativity and innovation, the chance to host XDW 2025 in Newcastle reaffirms our commitment to being an innovative, forward-thinking destination with huge ambition. Destination North East England’s partnership work has been a catalyst for change and through the inspiring talks, hands-on learning and the countless connections that will be made in June, I am incredibly excited that our businesses, academia and our thriving creative community get to play a key part in the future of tourism.
“I am also delighted to be working alongside Digital Tourism Think Tank to offer our businesses a special discount to attend, ensuring we get as many diverse voices and expertise in the room as possible.”
The event has partnered with tourism technology provider TXGB. James Berzins, managing director, said: “XDW 2025 is about turning innovation into real opportunities for tourism businesses. By connecting destinations and experience providers with the right digital tools, we can help them reach new audiences, streamline operations and drive sustainable growth. We’re excited to be part of this event, helping to shape the future of tourism through smarter, more connected distribution.”
Nick Hall, CEO of Digital Tourism Think Tank said: “XDW 2025 is designed to be an immersive and hands-on format, bringing together industry leaders, creatives and digital pioneers to engage in dynamic and collaborative discussions. We’ll create an environment that fosters innovation and accelerates the adoption of transformative ideas, building actionable strategies to navigate the future of tourism.”