Highlands and Islands companies specialising in nature-based tourism are being offered a new opportunity to increase their expertise by joining forces with their counterparts in Norway, Sweden and Iceland.

A three-year project, with €1.45m funding from the Northern Periphery Programme, will enable operators from the four countries to share their experience, skills and knowledge to increase competitive advantage and sales.   

Visitors have always been attracted to the Highlands and Islands by the quality of the natural environment and nature-based tourism in the area has seen considerable growth in recent years.

Run in the Highlands and Islands by a partnership of Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), VisitScotland, and the Tourism and Environment Forum, the new project will create a strong network of like-minded national and international companies to act as an ambassador for the sector.

Chris Taylor, senior tourism manager at HIE, said: "The natural heritage of the Highlands and Islands can offer visitors a rich and rewarding experience. However, expectations are increasing all the time and we must continually aim for an excellent quality of experience.

"This project is a fantastic opportunity for Highlands and Islands companies to talk to their counterparts in Norway, Sweden and Iceland and develop innovative ideas to help exceed customer expectations."

Benefits for companies involved in the project include:

* Access to market information across all four countries
* Financial support with business appraisals
* Identification and delivery of training needs
* Support for visits to other businesses
* Two  Highlands and Islands workshops annually with programme and speakers to meet industry needs
* Assistance for attendance at workshops in other  partner countries

To become part of the project, companies must:

* Be based in the Highlands and Islands
* Work primarily with outdoor activities and nature based experiences
* Be prepared to actively involve themselves with the project

Companies interested in becoming involved should contact Bill Taylor at SNH (tel: 01463 667912 / email: bill.taylor@snh.gov.uk) by 31st March 2004.
Twelve businesses will be selected to attend the first international nature-based tourism workshop in Norway in October 2004.