A world-renowned expert in the field of interpretation and visitor communication will give tourism businesses in Argyll and the Islands the benefit of his knowledge and expertise when he visits Oban next month.

Sam Ham is a professor of environmental communication and international conservation at the University of Idaho in the United States of America. He lectures all over the world to tourism groups who are involved in interpretation projects.

Argyll and the Islands Enterprise (AIE) has arranged for Professor Ham to come to Argyll so that the area's tourism businesses can benefit at first hand from his skills and experience. In an attempt to allow as many people as possible to attend the event, AIE are offering to pay a percentage of travel costs for those who have to travel from the islands.

Steven Dott, a sector development manager with AIE said: "Sam Ham's reputation in the field of tourist interpretation and communication is second to none. The one-day seminar will give community groups, business people, project officers and others involved in environmental and heritage tourism interpretation an opportunity to find out how they can develop their projects to get the best out of them or where to start if they are thinking about a new project.

"This is a unique opportunity for groups and businesses in the area which is unlikely to ever be repeated, therefore I would recommend people get in touch as soon as possible to book a place and find out how we can help with travel costs."

The one day seminar will be held at the Studio Theatre in Oban's Corran Halls on Saturday 8 December 2001. Contact Steven Dott at Argyll and the Islands Enterprise on 01546 605426.