For meeting planners seeking to infuse incentive trips with meaningful, socially conscious experiences, Invisible Cities offers an inspiring and unforgettable option when visiting Scotland. This award-winning social enterprise redefines the traditional city tour by turning it into a platform for personal transformation and community awareness.
What makes it unique? The guides are individuals who have experienced homelessness and who, through this initiative, have not only rebuilt their lives but also found a renewed sense of purpose and belonging. They design, develop, and lead their own tours—sharing both the historical and the “invisible” sides of the city from a deeply personal and human perspective.
Why it matters for incentive programs: These tours provide participants with a rare opportunity to engage with the destination on a profound level. As you explore historic landmarks, you also hear stories of resilience, social insight, and transformation—offering an enriching alternative to conventional group activities. It’s an experience that fosters empathy, reflection, and connection—values that align with the principles of modern leadership and responsible corporate culture.
To ensure high-quality public experiences, Invisible Cities supports its guides with training in public speaking, customer service, and confidence-building. This empowers them not only to excel as guides but to pursue broader personal and professional goals.
Invisible Cities currently operates in Edinburgh, York, Manchester, Glasgow, Cardiff and Liverpool, offering diverse themed tours—from “The Royal Mile” in Edinburgh to stories of witchcraft, crime, or York’s railway heritage. Each tour is infused with authenticity and meaning, ensuring a lasting impression.
Since its founding in 2016 by social entrepreneur Zakia Moulaoui Guery, more than 70 individuals have transitioned out of homelessness, with many continuing as guides and mentors to new participants. The ripple effect extends beyond employment—helping them reunite with families, return to education, and secure housing, while other social enterprises contribute services that support their well-being.
With over 10,000 visitors and numerous accolades—including Tripadvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Award and recognition as one of Edinburgh’s top ten tours—Invisible Cities is more than a tourism experience: it’s a movement that turns visibility into opportunity.
For meeting planners, including an Invisible Cities tour in your Scotland itinerary is not just an act of social responsibility—it’s a powerful way to elevate your incentive program with purpose and heart.
To make your next incentive trip truly impactful, consider integrating an Invisible Cities tour into your agenda. It’s a chance to offer your guests a moving, authentic experience that goes beyond sightseeing—one that supports social change while creating meaningful memories. Plan your tour directly through invisible-cities.org and become part of a journey that transforms lives—both for your participants and the communities they visit.
