Strath businesses to fly the flag at national tourism trade event
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Tourism businesses from the strath will be among those flying the flag at VisitScotland’s main travel trade event in Aberdeen later this month.
VisitScotland Connect 2024 which is being staged from April 17-18 at the city’s P&J Live arena is designed to grow the country’s share of global travel in a sustainable way.
Local tourism businesses will meet and do business with travel intermediaries including tour operators, travel advisors and destination management companies representing Scotland’s most important visitor markets.
There will be around 28 Highlands tourism businesses taking part.
They include the Grant Arms Hotel in Grantown, Rothiemurchus Estate by Aviemore, High Life Highland, the curling experience at Aviemore ice rink and the region will also be promoted by VisitCairngorms.
More than 220 trade-ready Scottish tourism businesses including accommodation, experiences and attractions will connect with over 250 buyers - who plan inspirational Scotland trips for their clients – representing 23 countries spanning North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the UK domestic market.
Marion Müller, general manager at the Grant Arms Hotel, said: “Last year we participated in VisitScotland Connect – and prior to that VisitScotland Expo - an event that has become a cornerstone in our business calendar. It has been a privilege to meet fellow hospitality colleagues and showcase the essence of Highland hospitality to a global audience.
“VisitScotland Connect serves as an invaluable platform for revitalising established relations and making new contacts.
“We are already looking forward to being part of this year's event.”
By taking part in VisitScotland Connect 2024, Scottish tourism businesses get the opportunity to engage with travel intermediaries in a workshop-style format, discussing new destinations and products to include in travel itineraries being sold globally in 2025 and 2026.
In addition to the travel trade event in Aberdeen, a specially curated programme of familiarisation trips will showcase the best of Scotland’s tourism offering across 20 regions.
Last year’s VisitScotland Connect was the first time the national tourism organisation ran a workshop-style event based on 1-2-1 meeting and networking opportunities offering a more targeted opportunity to connect product developers and contract managers with Scottish tourism businesses and suppliers.
Overall feedback from the 2023 event revealed that both buyers and suppliers preferred the new format with 91 per cent of Scottish businesses saying they anticipated generating sales from attending VisitScotland Connect 2023.
Chris Taylor, VisitScotland’s destination development director, said: “Demand for Scotland as a visitor destination remains strong and we are thrilled to be welcoming so many representatives from the Highland tourism industry - and travel advisors and tour operators from across the world - to Aberdeen for VisitScotland Connect once again.
“Highland tourism businesses really appreciate that all-important opportunity to meet in person with travel advisors and tour operators and to highlight their products and the brilliant offering we have here.
“Our visitors are increasingly looking for sustainable tourism options and we’re delighted to showcase businesses taking important steps towards responsible tourism.
“Helping businesses to reach new markets and stimulating demand for the Highlands is all part of our comprehensive marketing strategy which works year-round to bring visitors to Scotland.”
VisitScotland is a ticketed event and only registered attendees can attend.
