Nordic Atlantic Cooperation (NORA) and Visit Faroe Islands are hosting a conference dedicated to exploring the potential of marine and coastal tourism in the North Atlantic, taking place in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands on 21 – 22 October 2025.

Innovation in marine and coastal tourism is key to unlocking sustainable growth in the North Atlantic region. Despite the ocean’s central role in the region – geographically, economically, and culturally – current tourism products and activities remain limited, often centered around fishing trips and traditional sightseeing.

The key questions are therefore: How can tourism providers and stakeholders across the region develop and expand innovative and regenerative marine and coastal tourism experiences? And how can we ensure they create long-term value for local communities? These are some of the issues Nordic and international experts will discuss at the conference “An Ocean of Opportunities”, hosted by NORA and Visit Faroe Islands at Hotel Føroyar in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands on 21–22 October 2025.

Keynote speakers include Laura Storm (Denmark), a global pioneer in regenerative leadership and sustainable business development, and Cillian Murphy (Ireland), who has led the award winning, community-driven destination development on the Loop Head Peninsula.

Speakers will also discuss how the tourism sector can ensure responsible use of natural resources and contribute to local business and community development. Representatives from the Azores will share how tourism has helped protect marine and cultural heritage, while Rasmus Johnsen from Denmark will present how the Thy region transformed from a declining fishing community into an internationally recognized surf destination attracting young families. From the USA, Jaclyn Robidoux will present the Maine Oyster Trail, a unique project that has gained international recognition for combining sustainable aquaculture with tourism.

The conference will further include a series of sessions highlighting good practices and experience-sharing from across NORA and the wider Nordic region. Providers from all over the region will present concrete examples of innovative ocean-based tourism offerings and how they ensure that their activities benefit nature, businesses, and local communities alike.

The conference is intended for tourism professionals, policy-makers, local authorities, stakeholders, and anyone interested in the tourism industry. The conference language will be English.

For more information and registration here