Focus on: Debbie Marshall

In this series of blogs we meet the speakers who will be joining us for this years Visit Isle of Man Tourism Industry Day.

Keynote Presentation and Workshop - Over 50's Tourism

Debbie had a thirty year career in the travel industry, initially working in ski resorts and later as Managing Director for Crystal Holidays. From 2004, she spent seven years leading the luxury specialist CV Villas from private to trade ownership, and was involved with the acquisition of other speacialists including Ski Verbier.

In 2011 Debbie created and launched Silver Travel Advisor, the award winning travel review, information and advice website for mature travellers. Her team ranges from 55 to 80 years of age, several of whom are officially retired! Membership stands at over 100,000 and the company works in partnership with Age UK and Advantage Travel Partnerships. Debbie is an industry spokesperson and mentor, and is passionate about helping older people to enjoy later life, believing that age and mobility should not be a barrier to travel.

She has been inaugurated into the '60 for 60' influential women list at the AWTE, and was shortlisted for their 2018 Business Impact Award. She also holds two non-executive director roles with The Thinking Traveller and Bailey Robinson/Real Holidays.

Debbie's first session is taking place from 10:45 - 11:30, titled 'Over 50's Tourism' in the Broadway Theatre. She delves deep into the characteristics of the Mature Travellers market and what influences their purchasing decisions and future trends.

The second session is taking place from 13:30 - 14:15, titled 'How to tailor your Offer for the Over 50s' in the Promenade Suite. Following on from Debbie's keynote presentation, this workshop will give you the opportunity to drill down further into the specifics of this market, how you can increase secondary spend and maximise the effectiveness of your current offer.

The Tourism Industry Day takes place at the Villa Marina on Tuesday 26th February and the programme of events features a range of workshops, sessions and networking opportunities that will be of interest to anyone involved in the hospitality or tourism sectors.

To attend Debbie's sessions at the Tourism Industry Day and for other informative sessions, register for free here.