Destination NORD is pulling out all the stops to attract Danish and international business delegations seeking inspiration on green energy technologies, a flexible supply model, and a unique industrial partnership
Port of Aalborg, Test Center Østerild, Eurowind Energy, GrønGas, Green Hub Denmark, Aalborg University, Aalborg Portland, Business Region North Denmark, and others—there are many players in North Jutland’s energy sector, and their collaboration is firmly rooted in, not least, CO2vision, the leading business initiative in North Jutland.
Now, the business tourism organization Destination NORD aims to make the energy sector the crown jewel of a strategic initiative to attract delegations from global industry and political decision-makers.
– It makes perfect sense to leverage the region’s strengths in business and research within green energy technologies—such as CO2 capture, incineration, and alternative energy sources to work purposefully toward making Aalborg and North Jutland a gateway for delegations from Denmark and abroad,” says Helle Gehrt Winther, project manager at Destination NORD.
Aiming to Accelerate Development
The task will be to handle international inquiries and delegations, attract more conferences, and at the same time further accelerate the development of the green industry cluster in North Jutland.
– There is enormous potential to attract high-spending business travelers, either in delegations or in very large numbers through conferences. This will generate revenue for hotels, venues, and restaurants, and will also strengthen local businesses and knowledge communities, which will gain access to new knowledge, networks, and business opportunities, explains Helle Gehrt Winther.
She points out that, in the long run, these efforts should lead to more international companies choosing to invest in North Jutland or even setting up factories or development departments in the region.
Inspiration from Canada
Destination NORD drew inspiration from Canada for its role as a bridgehead for the North Jutland energy sector. In Canada, the corresponding responsibilities—including guest services, managing delegations, and organizing conferences—are an integral part of the Canadian government’s investment cluster.
The first impression of a region is very important when the industry is looking to invest or establish contacts, says Tonny Skovsted Thorup, director of Destination NORD, in an interview with the online media outlet Turismemonitor:
– I have to admit that the story from Canada really struck a chord with me. It inspired me, because we need to work a little smarter. We’re opening a window to the world, says the director, emphasizing that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ contacts—both in Denmark and around the world—need to know they can count on North Jutland.
Example: CCUS Forum
The new bridgehead function at Destination NORD builds on the pilot project, “Sustainable Destination Development through International Strengths, ” which was supported by funding from the Danish Business Promotion Board and has already proven its worth —most recently with the CCUS Forum 2023 conference, which took place November 27–28 at Nordkraft in Aalborg.
Aalborg was chosen as the host city for the prestigious conference, which drew hundreds of participants, including the then-Crown Prince Frederik and a long list of top executives from industry and the political sphere, because the city was able to showcase concrete facilities and real-world tests with the help of, among others, Aalborg University, the Port of Aalborg, Aalborg Portland, and Business Region North Denmark.
Destination NORD offers energy companies in North Jutland assistance in attracting delegations and conferences in the energy sector. Contact project manager Helle Gehrt Winther at helle@aalborgcvb.dk.
The photos are from Destination NORD’s film shoot with science communicator Lasse Winther in the spring of 2024 at energy sites in North Jutland. The film will be used as part of the organization’s strategic outreach to Danish and international delegations. Credit: Aalborg Convention Bureau / Destination NORD
