WIT Conference: innovation and resilience panel discussion
We delighted to share further details on the panelists taking part the innovation and resilience panel at the 2025 Women in Tourism conference. Taking place in the EICC on 21 March, this session will look at how the panelists have innovated and been agile to some of the many challenges over the last few years!
PANEL DISCUSSION: innovation and resilience
This panel has brought together tourism leaders to represent both urban and rural contexts, from Inverness to Glasgow and over to the isle of Arran. From ferry disruption and recruitment of staff; to launching a new business and the impact of major events, this is one session you won’t want to miss!
Facilitator: this session will be lead by Julie Grieve, Founder & Chair
Sheila Gilmore, CEO, VisitArran
Sheila is Arran born and bred into tourism; her family runs the longest-established family hospitality business on Arran. She has been CEO of VisitArran, the island’s not-for-profit DMO since 2012. As an enthusiastic and self-motivated professional, Sheila has many years of experience with public, private and third sectors, and is a firm believer in innovative working, believing that the best results come from working in partnership.
Victoria Erasmux, Sustainability Director of the Glen Mhor Hotel, Uile-Bheist Distillery and Brewery, and the J&R Group Hotels
Bringing over 25 years of experience in both hospitality and education, a qualified teacher, Victoria is dedicated to blending these sectors to promote lifelong learning. Victoria has led the charge in sustainable tourism, notably unveiling Scotland’s first River Source Energy Centre in 2022, a £8 million project providing sustainable heating and water. This innovation recently earned global recognition at the World Sustainable Hospitality and Travel Awards in 2024.
Victoria champions mental health awareness, diversity, equity, and inclusion. She also founded The South African Children’s Charitable Trust, which supports orphaned children in South Africa. Passionate about accessibility, Victoria has developed sector-leading resources and programs that break down barriers, ensuring educational opportunities are available to all, regardless of background. Her leadership has enabled collaboration between industry stakeholders and government bodies, ensuring the long-term viability and inclusivity of Scotland’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
Julie Grieve, Founder & Chair
Julie Grieve chairs a Vistage CEO Peer Advisory Group and is an executive coach. She sits on the Barclays Eagle Labs Digital Growth Grant Independent Advisory Board, is a mentor for Techscalers, AccelerateHer and Barclays Eagle Labs and she is an Ambassador for Women’s Enterprise Scotland. She founded Criton in 2016, a guest engagement and integrations platform for the hospitality sector which she sold in 2022. Prior to that Julie was CEO of Lateral City, a luxury serviced apartment business she set up for the Chris Stewart Group and before that she was MD of Abbey Business Centres, a serviced office business which she sold to Regus in 2011.
