Internationalisation – growing overseas markets by setting high quality international standards – is the backdrop to a forthcoming series of workshops geared to boosting the international tourism market in the Highlands and Islands.
The workshops commence with a look at how visitors can be encouraged to inject short walking, cycling, wildlife etc. experiences into an otherwise classic touring experience. A range of speakers with expertise in the walking and touring plus holidays sector has been lined up for Stornoway on November 29 and Campbeltown on November 30.
In December, attention switches to the opportunities offered by whisky and golf tourism. Ewan Colville, VisitScotland’s Marketing Manager for North America Asia Pacific, gives a presentation on core and developing markets, including the major US market and newer emerging opportunities in Asia and elsewhere. His presentation is scheduled for December 5 in Craigellachie in the heart of the Speyside whisky-making area.
Looking ahead to 2008, the local implications for developing the cruise ship market are examined in the Northern Isles, with workshops in Lerwick on January 23 and in Kirkwall on January 24. A further date in Invergordon to highlight and coordinate pan-Scotland activity in the cruise ship sector is being finalised, with further details to follow.
Meanwhile, at Oban on February 21, a workshop takes marine leisure tourism as its topic and will consider how sailing in the waters of the Scottish Highlands and Islands can be best flagged up to an international audience.
Venues and dates:
Stornoway - Nov 29 - Walking and touring plus
Campbeltown - Nov 30 - Walking and touring plus
Craigellachie - Dec 5 - Whisky and golf tourism
Lerwick - Jan 23, 2008 - Developing the cruise ship market
Kirkwall - Jan 24, 2008 - Developing the cruise ship market
Oban - Feb 21, 2008 - Marine leisure tourism
*** Find out more about the internationalisation of tourism.
