Greater than 7,000 conferences came about between Scottish tourism companies and shuttle intermediaries at this yr’s VisitScotland Attach – the nationwide tourism organisation’s flagship shuttle commerce occasion.
Greater than 7,000 conferences came about between Scottish tourism companies and shuttle intermediaries – together with excursion operators, shuttle advisors and Vacation spot Control Corporations representing Scotland’s maximum necessary customer markets – at an occasion held in Aberdeen.
The nationwide tourism organisation’s flagship shuttle commerce occasion, VisitScotland Attach 2024, is designed to develop the rustic’s proportion of worldwide shuttle in a sustainable approach and was once just lately held on the P&J Are living in Aberdeen.
The collection of conferences held was once up via 1,000 on 2023 and this yr’s occasion was once attended via 222 trade-ready Scottish tourism companies, together with lodging, customer reviews and points of interest – a 27% building up on 2023.
Right through the direction of those conferences, they hooked up with nearly 260 shuttle intermediaries – who plan Scotland journeys for his or her shoppers – representing 23 international locations, together with the ones in North The united states, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the United Kingdom home marketplace.
Their discussions will make sure that Scotland continues to characteristic within the portfolios of worldwide excursion operators and that the vacation providing continues to adapt and are compatible the calls for of the fashionable traveller.
International shuttle continues to develop post-pandemic, and the go back of global markets to Scotland has been very a lot in proof. Scottish tourism companies are willing to make the most of higher-spending long-haul guests particularly, and increasingly more recognise that operating with the shuttle commerce is a technique to get admission to that chance.
As many as 64% of global guests to Britain use shuttle intermediaries to devise and e book their bundle. Amongst long-haul travellers this rises to 73%, so operating with shuttle intermediaries is usually a very centered and profitable technique to get Scottish tourism into our core markets and for companies to protected long run bookings.
Along with the shuttle commerce occasion in Aberdeen, a specifically curated programme of familiarisation journeys (fam journeys) showcased the most efficient of Scotland’s tourism providing.
Those came about within the days right away previous and following VisitScotland Attach and group of workers representatives hosted attendees on journeys to other portions of Scotland. In overall, 129 patrons attended 13 pre and post-event fam journeys showcasing 200 companies and masking 20 areas – from the Scottish Borders to Orkney, and Fife to the Highlands.
The bespoke itineraries had been created to introduce the global and UK excursion operators to places and reviews which might meet their call for for extra accountable tourism choices – together with much less travelled routes, public delivery and immersive and community-driven reviews. Topics additionally integrated Scotland’s wealthy tradition and heritage, journey and task vacation choices, in addition to agritourism and Scottish foods and drinks reviews.
Stephen Leckie, Chair of VisitScotland.
Stephen Leckie, Chair of VisitScotland, mentioned: “This was once my first occasion as the brand new Chair of VisitScotland and what an out of this world occasion to start out my tenure! I had the excitement of assembly and chatting to many passionate and enthusiastic representatives of our Scottish tourism trade over the 2 days and their comments at the occasion was once overwhelmingly certain. All of them did a stellar activity of showcasing our wonderful nation and its tourism alternatives to a world target market.
“Our guests – each global and home – are necessary for the sustainable enlargement of the customer financial system in Scotland – staying longer and spending extra money in our native communities. VisitScotland Attach supplies a high quality platform to lend a hand pressure that customer financial system and gives a centered alternative for key patrons and providers.
“VisitScotland works with the trade to increase Scotland as probably the most economically, environmentally and socially sustainable locations on the earth and this occasion once more mirrored the significance of accountable tourism, via highlighting companies with the most efficient sustainable and inclusive practices.
“VisitScotland Attach is just one part of a complete middleman business plan which matches year-round to convey guests to Scotland.”
Gina Clark, Director of Gross sales Scotland, Marine and Garden Resorts and Hotels, mentioned: “VisitScotland Attach was once an excellent chance now not simply to introduce the inns which have been open for a few years, however for us to introduce Dornoch Station which is our latest resort, having simply opened in September final yr.
“It gave us the danger to fulfill global patrons all in one position and from the entire other places we’re seeking to goal. It’s all in regards to the relationships and not anything beats that face-to-face connection and having the ability to in finding out knowledge first and right away, from the pony’s mouth, in an effort to talk.”
Stephen Cotter, who’s based totally in the United Kingdom for CIE Excursions, USA, mentioned: “VisitScotland Attach is essential to us – it’s the largest occasion in Scotland. Each and every yr we now have numerous trade that involves Scotland. We care for about 150 providers all the way through the United Kingdom and all the way through Scotland so it’s nice to look everyone beneath the only roof in a brief house of time. We see them-face-to face, which makes an enormous distinction, and likewise uncover new issues that we don’t learn about.”
Kat Brogan, from Mercat Excursions, mentioned: “We’ve come to VisitScotland Attach – and up to now VisitScotland Expo – for over a decade as a result of we really feel it’s so necessary to take care of relationships and in finding new relationships with our shuttle commerce companions from all over the place the arena. It’s principally about years yet to come so it’s taking a look at making an investment in relationships and the contracts which will probably be for 2025 2026 and onwards.”
Adam Civico, from Promote Shetland, mentioned: “VisitScotland Attach is a brilliant occasion for purchasing in combination, sitting down and assembly the operators, the patrons, who’re serious about all of Scotland however are serious about coming to Shetland and learning extra in regards to the vacation spot. It’s actually thrilling simply so to pick out up other people’s enthusiasm for Shetland as a vacation spot – it’s good!”
VisitScotland Attach will probably be held once more on 9 and 10 April 2025, on the P&J Are living.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Community; his duties come with trade building and making plans for TravelDailyNews long-term alternatives.