On 1 February launches eXpression business incubator Umeå a new project to raise awareness for businesses in the tourism and experience sectors with a commercial element. In the context of the Future Retail Lab business development programme, key lessons are being shared about the need to rapidly reposition business models and communication strategies to meet the major changes brought about by the Corona pandemic.Thanks to the project, we can now offer more companies support in their work with to deal with the crisis we are in," says Annakarin Nyberg at eXpressionUmeå.

The Corona pandemic has hit many industries hard and, along with trade, the hospitality and experience sectors are particularly affected. The project "Sustainable Tourism of the Future" is based on experiences of working with companies in the tourism and experience industry with a trade component and aims to share experiences and knowledge.

"The initiative gives us new opportunities to work with business development support in sectors where in some cases life's work is at risk of being destroyed. An important starting point is also to work together with other stakeholders and organisations working to support this hard-hit industry," says Annakarin Nyberg, programme manager for Fututre Retail Lab at eXpression Umeå.

Businesses are working hard to digitally transform, adapt to changing consumer behaviours and manage declining and changing markets and audiences.

Sharing knowledge and experience about these transitions is an important part of the project. This is done through public digital conversations and knowledge enhancing lectures. The aim is to reach the entire catchment area from Örnsköldsvik in the south to Luleå in the north. In addition, an educational material will be created with questions for organisations and stakeholders in the industries to work with at their own meetings and workshops.

- The current situation requires those of us involved in the development of the trade and hospitality industry to work together and see opportunities. In the midst of this industry transformation, there are companies that have successfully transformed themselves, and in the process have learned important lessons. We all stand to gain from sharing that knowledge and helping to put it to good use. Mona Lidén, centre manager of the Utopia gallery and member of the board of Visit Umeå.

The project is funded with support from national agent from Tillväxtverket och will last between din 1 february 2021and 31 December 2022.The project is implemented in the context of the Accelerator Programme eXpression Future Retail Lab at the business incubator eXpression Umeå. Programme Manager Business Developer Annakarin Nyberg will be joined by Anna Wikholm Kjellberg, business developer at eXpression,be responsible for the project's activities and implementation.

For more information:

Annakarin Nyberg, Project Manager

annakarin.nyberg@expressionumea.se

tel. 070-667 94 43