Heritage and tourism are vital parts of Scotland's economy and connecting effectively with our visitors can make a real difference to their experiences. Interpretation, as an integral part of the tourism product and visitor experience, contributes to greater enjoyment, longer stays, more spending and increase pride in communities.

The purpose of The Vital Spark, an international 4-day conference is to connect visitors with the local community, to learn more about how to create memorable experiences for people.

The organisers of The Vital Spark conference are delighted to announce that well over 200 delegates from 15 different countries have already signed up for the event, which takes place from 30 September  to 3 October in Aviemore.

Bill Taylor, the chairman of The Vital Spark steering group commented:
“The Vital Spark is the biggest event of its kind in Europe for 20 years and provides a wonderful opportunity to learn from global leaders about how to connect in a memorable way with visitors, which will enhance their visit and encourage them to return.”

The programme of international speakers reads like a Who’s Who of those involved in heritage and education world-wide and includes:

·     Alastair McIntosh, Writer, broadcaster, campaigning academic, visiting professor, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, UK

·     Shonaig Macpherson, Chair, National Trust for Scotland, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

·     Dr Jim Hunter, author, historian, commentator, expert in rural development and former chair of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Inverness, Scotland, UK
 
·     Jette Sandahl, Director Experience, Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, Wellington, New Zealand

·     Susan Strauss, Storyteller, children’s author, wildlife interpreter, trainer, Bend, Oregon, USA

The event is sure to engage those working in all areas of tourism and heritage, from those working in museums, historic properties and estates, education, culture and tourism. There are a wide variety of talks and workshops planned for the 4 days with topics including:
 
* Tourism & Technology – using technology to connect visitors to our heritage
* Writing for Children Workshop – can words alone still ignite the ‘vital spark’ in children?
* Design & Interpretation – it takes two – designers and the museum at Kelvingrove
* Festival – Angus Farquhar, TVA – talks about his ground breaking arts installations projects
 
The Vital Spark is a joint venture between the Association of Heritage Interpretation and Interpret Scotland and is supported by the following organisations: Highland 2007 and EventScotland (£20,000), Highlands & Islands Enterprise (£15,000), Forestry Commission Scotland (£10,000), Cairngorms National Park Authority (£12,000), Scottish Natural Heritage (£10,000), Bòrd na Gàidhlig (£5000), Historic Scotland (£5,000), Highland Council (£4,000), UHI Millennium Institute / Perth College (£2,500), VisitScotland (£2,500) and National Museums Scotland (£750).
 
Considerable assistance in kind is coming from Scottish Tourist Guides Association, Forestry Commission Scotland and CairnGorm Mountain Ltd.
 
Visit the website for further details and booking information:
www.thevitalspark2007.org.uk
ENDS

For further media information, please contact:
Sue McKichan, marketing matters
Tel: 07802 685454; email: s.mckichan@btinternet.com
 
Notes to Editors:
The Vital Spark 2007 is a joint venture between Interpret Scotland, a consortium of Scottish agencies interested in interpretation, and the Association for Heritage Interpretation, the United Kingdom body representing organisations and individuals working in the field. It is an important part of Highland 2007, a year-long celebration of Highland culture.
 
Interpretation is the key connector between communities, visitors and our outstanding heritage and for visitors it is a key means of engaging them with the place now and in the future. The aim of interpretation is to encourage people to develop a greater understanding of, affinity with and concern for our natural and cultural heritage. We interpret our past and present lives and surroundings in order to understand who we are, where we have come from, and where we may be going. Interpretation can be static, media-based or personally-delivered and is an essential part of the tourism and leisure product in the Highlands of Scotland, and elsewhere, with a beneficial effect on local pride and the economy of the region.