Global multidisciplinary engineering consultancy Halcrow has offered employees an insight into the mind of Scottish futurologist, Ian Yeoman.

Ian Yeoman, scenario planner for VisitScotland, joined Halcrow employees at their Glasgow office at City Park to discuss the future of tourism and how it will shape Scotland’s economy. His presentation, “Life on Mars – The Tourist in 2025” looked at how the world has changed since the 1970’s, whether it was the launch of CEEFAX, holidays in Yugoslavia or the world of Alf Garnett. Looking forward to 2025, Ian discussed how future generations will holiday, whether it is space vacations with Virgin Galactic or the use of technology and a networked society.

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The event was part of the “Yellow Sofa Tour” created by Halcrow in 2006, which aims to offer its employees an insight into the minds of inspiring individuals. Halcrow is keen to encourage innovation, creativity and new ways of thinking about wider business and social issues, as well as its key market sectors.

As a member of the World Tourism Organisation’s Expert Panel, the author of six tourism books and with a PhD in Management Science, Dr Yeoman excels in planning ahead for business success. His ‘environmental scanning’ technique identifies trends and issues to create a model of tomorrow’s world, and predict the future of the tourism industry.

Tourism is one of Scotland’s major industries and drives a number of Halcrow’s recent and current projects including the recent refurbishment of Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the Edinburgh Airport Rail Link.

Donald Bell, director of Halcrow’s Glasgow office explains: “To stay ahead of the competition, it’s important we recognise the growing influence of the tourism industry on our business. Dr Yeoman is a world-class expert and we were delighted he was able to join us. His presentation was a valuable opportunity to gain insight into the future, the impact it will have on our industry and help prepare us for what lies ahead.”

(CD)