The City of Inverness is set to make its mark on the international tourism industry, when the City of Inverness Marketing Group (CIMG) takes a stand at Expo – Scotland’s flagship business to business event for the travel trade on the 13^th and14^th of April.

This will be the first time Inverness has had its own stand at this high profile trade event, which gives exhibitors the opportunity to showcase their products and services to potential buyers from around the globe.

The Inverness stand will promote Inverness as the city in the Highlands, which is undergoing considerable investment in visitor attractions, such as the Culloden Battlefield visitor centre, the Highland 2007 cultural event, and the largest art project in Scotland with the development of Eden Court.

Attendance at Expo will help raise the profile of the city and promote the message that Inverness is in a unique position to meet visitor's growing demand for the “urban freedom” experience - the ability to enjoy the best of both worlds, city life such as good food, entertainment and leisure opportunities along with immediate access to wildlife, heritage, mountains and beaches.

Inverness and Nairn Enterprise (INE) and the Highland Council have provided funding of £6,000 for the stand and promotional material.  The stand will be staffed by the Hotel Association and the Bed and Breakfast Association.

Chief executive of INE Stuart Black, who is also the chair of the CIMG said: “This is a great opportunity to promote Inverness and to strengthen its position within the global tourism market.

“There has been significant investment in visitor facilities in Inverness, including developments in retail outlets and the enhancement of some of the city’s hotels and restaurants.

“INE is delighted to be able to support the tourism profession of Inverness collectively, ensuring that we are promoting the city and what it has to offer in a consistent style and with a consistent message.”

The CIMG is jointly funded by INE and the Highland Council, and was set up to raise the awareness of the city and to tell the rest of the world what makes Inverness special.  To help with this a new brand identity has been developed, and attendance at Expo is one of a number of campaign activities designed to communicate this brand.

Jean Ramsay Smith, brand manager of CIMG, said: “Research commissioned by VisitScotland last year found that Inverness has all the visitor wants – choice of accommodation, plenty of weekend distraction, both unusual and well-known shops, the ability to walk around the city centre and a unique energy and culture.

“Inverness is seen as desirably different, but we have to ensure we show we truly are ‘The City in the Highlands’.  The challenge is to promote the outstanding natural beauty and rich history coupled with the comfort factor of a modern city that genuinely welcomes visitors.”

Graham Strachan, Highland Council area development manager, added: “Inverness is perfectly situated at the heart of some of the finest scenery in the world.  Close to Loch Ness, fine beaches and championship golf courses.

“Inverness is an ideal place to visit for a short break or an extended stay.  It is very well placed with good air and rail links to the rest of Scotland and Great Britain.”

The Columba Hotel in the city has recently undergone a major refurbishment, Stephen Gow, the general manager said: “We reopened last year following a major refurbishment and we have included the city branding in all our literature and advertising since then. 

“Supporting the city in this way reinforces their promotional message and conveys to a wider audience a professional and “ready to do business” approach.  The more exposure for the city of Inverness the more business we will attract and this can only benefit everyone.”