Argyll tourism businesses make international connections

During the course of these meetings, they connected with almost 260 travel intermediaries, including tour operators, travel advisors and destination management companies, representing 23 countries, including those in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the UK domestic market.   

Their discussions will ensure that Scotland continues to feature in the portfolios of global tour operators and that the holiday offering continues to evolve and fit the demands of the modern traveller.  

Global travel continues to grow post-pandemic, and the return of international markets to Scotland has been very much in evidence. 

Scottish tourism businesses are keen to take advantage of higher-spending long-haul visitors in particular, and increasingly recognise that working with the travel trade is a way to access that opportunity.   

As many as 64 per cent of international visitors to Britain use travel intermediaries to plan and book their package.

Among long-haul travellers, this rises to 73 per cent, so working with travel intermediaries can be a very targeted and lucrative way to get Scottish tourism into our core markets and for businesses to secure future bookings.  

David Adams McGilp, VisitScotland regional director, said: “I’m very grateful our tourism businesses from Argyll and the Isles did an amazing job of showcasing our beautiful region and its tourism opportunities to a worldwide audience.     

“Our visitors – both international and domestic – are vital for the sustainable growth of the visitor economy in here in Argyll and the Isles – staying longer and spending more money in our local communities. 

“VisitScotland Connect provides a quality platform to help drive that visitor economy and offers a targeted opportunity for key buyers and suppliers.

“VisitScotland works with the tourism industry locally to develop our country as one of the most economically, environmentally and socially sustainable destinations in the world. This event again reflected the importance of responsible tourism, by highlighting businesses with the best sustainable and inclusive practices.   

“VisitScotland Connect is only one element of a comprehensive intermediary marketing strategy which works year-round to bring visitors to Argyll and the Isles.”

The next VisitScotland Connect event will be held in April 2025.