Ecotourism for Businesses

A group of women walking along a costal footpath

Image credit: SolStock

Ecotourism for Businesses

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Join us for a dynamic business event exploring the benefits of ecotourism to our hospitality industry and how nature drives opportunity.

Event details

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Date

Time
9:30am - 12:30pm
A static map of Ecotourism for Businesses

About the event

Discover how Suffolk’s wild landscapes are unlocking ecotourism potential; boosting local enterprise while protecting the environment. Don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, and lead at the intersection of conservation and commerce.

Agenda

9:30-10:00 - Registration with refreshments

10:00-11:00 – Hear from relevant speakers from local organisations and businesses

11:00-11:15 – Break with refreshments

11:15-11:45 – Panel led and group discussion: “How can Suffolk embrace ecotourism led itineraries and become a national leader in nature-first tourism?” 

11:45-12:30 – Networking: Connect with like-minded businesses and individuals to create collaborative ecotourism itineraries and be part of a network of nature-positive tourism and hospitality organisations.
 

Objectives

  1. Highlight the economic value of wildlife tourism
  2. Explore collaborative ecotourism possibilities which celebrate our nature reserves
  3. Showcase conservation in action
  4. Strengthen the local ecotourism network
     

Who should attend?

Whether you're in hospitality, tourism, retail, or sustainability, this event can inspire new ways to integrate eco-tourism into your business strategy and support you in working collaboratively as an industry. This not only stands to benefit your business, but in turn, the wildlife which attracts visitors to our county.

Spaces are free of charge but limited. Book your ticket now to guarantee your space.

Talk line-up

Hugh Braidwood - Engagement and Visitor Operations Manager, Suffolk Wildlife Trust Hugh will share how Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s flagship nature reserve and visitor centre is embracing ecotourism to connect people with nature, support local communities, and promote sustainable visitor experiences.
Jo Burton – Tourism Director, Larking Gowen Larking Gowen produce the annual Tourism Business Survey, which provides the sector with a powerful benchmarking tool, alongside inspiration and peer insights. Jo will discuss the highlights from the 2025 results and why it’s important for businesses to get involved. 
Joss Mullett – East Suffolk Council Joss will be providing an overview of the Sizewell C Tourism Mitigation Fund and project updates on SnapSea (the free online image and video sharing platform for businesses and stakeholders), the recently commissioned perception study, and Data Insights into the industry to help inform future decisions.
Bella Hall, Owner & Manager, Old Hall Southwold  Home to Southwold Maize Maze and Old Hall Cafe & Walks, Bella will talk about the journey of Old Hall Farm, from dairy farm to a popular tourist destination and how ecotourism has been intrinsically woven into their business. 

Know before you go

Dogs

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Assistance dogs only
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Wheelchair access

Yes
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Facilities

Toilets
Shop
Cafe/refreshments
Picnic area
Accessible toilet
Baby changing facilities
Electric car charging point
Disabled parking
Accessible trails

Contact us

Sophie Flux
Contact number: 07765 195060
East Suffolk Council Logo

Thank you to East Suffolk Council for supporting this event.