Global tourism tech conference chooses Newcastle as first UK host city

12 March 2025

X. Design Week (XDW) 2025, the leading tourism innovation conference, will descend on Newcastle from 3-6 June, inviting businesses in the visitor economy to explore AI, digital innovation and immersive storytelling.

Following successful editions in Cologne, Valencia and Athens, the globally renowned event is landing in the UK for the first time with Newcastle chosen as its host for the city’s rich tradition of innovation and technological advancement, including the Stephenson steam locomotive which was built in the city in the 19^th century and went on to revolutionize the way railways run across the world.

The event will bring the tourism industry together with global leaders in digital tourism, creative professionals and visitor economy strategists at The Catalyst, in Newcastle’s innovation quarter, Newcastle Helix, to shape the tourism of tomorrow, using an innovative co-creation format unlike any other event in the sector.

Securing this international event with support from NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau, which will welcome hundreds of global visitors, is seen as a huge coup for the region. Newcastle has a rich history of innovation – from the birthplace of the modern passenger railway to the invention of the incandescent lightbulb, through to trials of the first ‘Butler Bot’ in a UK hotel – the event will showcase the area’s industrious heritage and its future as a global innovation powerhouse.

XDW 2025 will see a series of fascinating panels and keynote speeches from forward-thinking international speakers and will feature interactive design sprints, shaped around four key pillars – including destination & places, the experience economy, culture & heritage, and the technology ecosystem. Delegates will also be able to access dedicated ‘Impact Days’ offering hands-on immersion into cutting-edge Generative AI and XR technology.

Nick Hall, CEO of Digital Tourism Think Tank, said:

“XDW 2025 is designed to be an immersive and hands-on format, bringing together industry leaders, creatives and digital pioneers to engage in dynamic and collaborative discussions.

“We’ll create an environment that fosters innovation and accelerates the adoption of transformative ideas, building actionable strategies to navigate the future of tourism.”

The event is supported by England’s first Destination Development Partnership, Destination North East England – a trailblazing pilot led by NewcastleGateshead Initiative on behalf of the region, working with delivery partners Visit Northumberland, Visit County Durham and in partnership with the North East Combined Authority and all seven local authorities to unlock untapped growth potential of the visitor economy.

Caroline Reed, Senior Manager for Business Events, NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau (part of NewcastleGateshead Initiative), said:

“It is a brilliant opportunity to work with the team at Digital Tourism Think Tank to bring XDW 2025 to Newcastle. It is testament to our forward-thinking and ambitious visitor economy ecosystem that Newcastle has been chosen as the next host city. We look forward to showcasing the very best of our unique venues and accommodation which blend Newcastle’s rich heritage with our innovation vision for the tourism industry.”

The event has also partnered with leading tourism technology provider, TXGB.

James Berzins, Managing Director of TXGB, said:

“XDW 2025 is about turning innovation into real opportunities for tourism businesses. By connecting destinations and experience providers with the right digital tools, we can help them reach new audiences, streamline operations and drive sustainable growth. We’re excited to be part of this event, helping to shape the future of tourism through smarter, more connected distribution.”

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