Outdoor Recreation as a Catalyst for Regenerative Tourism: Harnessing outdoor recreation to renew, restore and regenerate tourism.
ORN Conference 2025 ‘Outdoor Recreation as a Catalyst for Regenerative Tourism’
Monday - Wednesday
16 - 18 June 2025
The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre (View on Google Maps)
Outdoor Recreation as a Catalyst for Regenerative Tourism:
Harnessing outdoor recreation to renew, restore and regenerate tourism.
Outdoor recreation has a vital role to play in regenerative tourism across these Isles. This conference builds on the ORN Action Plan 2022-2025, which called for cross-sector collaboration on sustainable tourism principles. Since then, the conversation has shifted from sustainability to regeneration—actively restoring landscapes, strengthening communities, and enhancing visitor experiences.
Set at The Sill, Northumberland National Park – an early leader in regenerative tourism – this event is also situated within Destination North East England, a regional pilot committed to making tourism work for both people and the planet through its Regenerative Tourism Framework.
This two-day event will bring the outdoor recreation and tourism sectors together to explore how outdoor recreation can drive regenerative tourism and establish key principles and best practices. It aligns with themes in the new ORN Action Plan 2025-2028, including Protecting Nature and Responsible Access, Climate Impact Management, Maximising Impact with Limited Resources, Inclusion and Diversity, and Sustainable Development.
More details on the programme will follow but save the date and join us to explore how outdoor recreation can shape regenerative tourism, creating lasting environmental benefits, resilient communities, and transformative visitor experiences.
Conference Speakers (more to be announced)
Pre ORN Conference Member Events - Monday 16th June 2025
ORN Executive Committee Meeting
19:00 - 21:00
ORN Member Meeting & Dinner
An opportunity to meet and network with other members of the Outdoor Recreation Network. Potential new members are also welcome to attend this dinner meeting if arriving early to the conference.
ORN Conference Day 1 - Tuesday 17th June 2025
09:30 - 10:00
Registration
10:00 - 12:00
Welcome, Keynotes and Q&A
12:00 - 17:00
Lunch and Site Visits
Site visits will take place in Northumberland National Park
17:00 - 17:15
Day 1 Wrap Up
19:30 - 22:00
ORN Award Celebration Event and Dinner
ORN Conference Day 2 - Wednesday 18th June 2025
09:00 - 10:00
Keynotes and Q&A
10:00 - 13:00
Site Visits and Lunch
13:00 - 14:00
Conference Wrap-Up and Close
Networking Events
Pre Conference Member Meeting
Pre Conference Member Meeting & Dinner
Included within the 'Member - Access all areas' ticket or as an add on, this is a fantastic opportunity on Monday 16th June for members to network and share updates. Included is a 2 course meal.
ORN Awards 2025
ORN Success Awards Celebration Event
The winners for 2025 Awards will be announced at the ORN Conference at a special celebration event on Tuesday 17th June. Building on the success of last year’s awards, the 2025 ORN Success Awards will celebrate trailblazing projects that are tackling key challenges in outdoor recreation - aligned with the ORN Action Plan (2025-2028). This event is included in the ticket price and includes a 2 course meal.
Onsite Accommodation
YHA The Sill at Hadrian's Wall
ORN has booked exclusive use of the Youth Hostel Associations newly refurbished Hostel at the Sill. This will be available for you to book as part of your conference ticket. Click on the link below to read the YHA's Access Statement.
Private Room (x8)
Private en-suite rooms include 1 bunk bed . £223 for 2 nights accommodation with breakfast. It is possible to add a second person into this room if you wish to do so for £20 extra.
Shared Rooms (two people sharing)
These shared rooms comprise of two bunk beds. Two people per room of the same gender. Some rooms are en-suite. £111.50pp for 2 nights accommodation with breakfast. You will be given the option to choose who you share with when booking opens or be randomly assigned.
Accessible Room (x2)
These are en-suite rooms that includes a single bunk with a double bed underneath and a single bed. The en-suite bathroom has a wheel-in shower fitted with grab rails and fold-down shower seat. Cost of this room is £223 (2 nights B&B). It is possible to add a support worker to this room for an additional £20 (2 nights B&B).