collaberation is the key: innovation Eg & twin city people
innovation eg - is a new idea, set up this year as part of the Glasgow Edinburgh Collaboration initiative, to encourage new, collaborative thinking from young professionals in Scottish tourism and hospitality. The initiative is supported by City of Edinburgh Council, Glasgow City Council, SE Edinburgh & Lothian, SE Glasgow. The idea is that these 'rising stars' are coached and mentored by experienced leaders in the industry to develop a range of creative concepts that would help attract new visitors to both cities within key product areas - food, drink and whisky; culture; retail and adventure. 
The project has three steps; Ideas Exchange (February); Collaboration (March - May) and the Final Event (May). The Ideas Exchange took place at the Glasgow Science Centre in February. With 20 highly experience individuals from across the 2 cities tourism sectors acting as Mentors joining up with 40 Rising Stars - the ideas and discussions were soon flowing fast! The result has been 8 innovative and novel project ideas which have the potential to deliver growth and prosperity for tourism in Glasgow & Edinburgh. The second part of the initiative is Collaboration where the teams will work with their Mentors to research and develop their ideas, looking at the market, viability, funding, potential partners etc. The Final Event in May is when the developed project ideas will compete head to head for a variety of prizes such as an international learning journey, £3000 cash and other fabulous experiences.
This is a fantastic opportunity for us to help weave into the culture of innovation which already exists in the sector, a true understanding of how, by working together the cities can provide a better experience for the visitor. Innovation eg Mentors who are kindly giving up their time to help are:
Alastair Campbell, Radical Travel; Graeme Gardiner, EICA Ratho; Sue Crossman, Tourism Innovation Group; David Cochrane, Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland; Barbara Smith, Historic Scotland; Hans Rissman, The Townhouse Company; Thomas McGonigle, Dal Riata; Peter Williamson, National Museums Scotland; Douglas Walker, Our Dynamic Earth; Ian D'Annunzio Green, Heritage Portfolio; Matthew Haggis, Creative Exchange; Sheena Kitchin, Food Tourism Group; Philip Mahoney, Anne Mulhern, Willow Tea Rooms; John Quigley, Red Onion; Fiona Colley, Glasgow Science Centre; Susan Nicol, St Enoch Centre; Julie Tait, Glasgow Grows Audiences; Caroline Barr, Scotland Street Museum; Helen Livingston, Branding Boutique; Carol Matthews, Matthews Marketing
The other Edinburgh & Glasgow collaboration isTwin Cities People a learning event
designed to ensure that tourism businesses are delivering confident, informed and up to date advice about what's best to see, do and experience during their visit to Scotland's key cities. This runs on various dates in April and is bookable online. To find out more about this event visit: