Firms attend VisitScotland events to boost travel to South Lanarkshire

Businesses from South Lanarkshire participated in events organised by VisitScotland in London to boost tourism to the region. Two prominent businesses, Errington Cheese and Crossbasket Castle, attended the two-day appointment-based workshops known as business development missions (BDMs). The purpose of these events was to connect with representatives from destination management companies and tour operators focusing on key markets such as China, East Asia, North America, and Australia. These professionals are responsible for curating travel packages and experiences for leisure clients.

The events also featured an evening networking reception at Scotland House, which was sponsored by Ian Macleod Distillers and Scotland’s Tay Country. The goal of these events was to help businesses establish valuable travel contacts in these markets to attract new visitors to South Lanarkshire. Research shows that a significant percentage of long-haul visitors to Scotland rely on travel intermediaries to book their accommodation and activities in advance of their trip.

VisitScotland’s low-cost business development programme aims to assist Scottish businesses in engaging with destination management companies and tour operators through in-person events without the need for international travel. Denise Hill, from VisitScotland, highlighted the importance of these events in supporting Scottish tourism businesses to create trade-ready products and experiences, as well as to foster relationships with international travel trade operators.

Errington Cheese, based in Carnwath, near Lanark, and Crossbasket Castle, a luxury hotel in High Blantyre, were among the participants from South Lanarkshire. These events serve as a platform for businesses to promote their offerings, receive feedback, tailor their products for specific markets, and establish long-term partnerships for future business opportunities. International markets play a crucial role in driving higher visitor spend, especially in the current economic climate affecting domestic travel.

In conclusion, events like these organised by VisitScotland are instrumental in showcasing the diverse offerings of regions like South Lanarkshire on a global stage cost-effectively. By connecting businesses with key players in the travel industry, such initiatives help in promoting tourism growth and enhancing international recovery efforts.

Insights and Summary:
The article discusses how businesses from South Lanarkshire participated in VisitScotland events aimed at boosting tourism to the region. By engaging with travel professionals from key international markets, businesses like Errington Cheese and Crossbasket Castle aim to attract more visitors to South Lanarkshire. These events serve as a valuable platform for businesses to establish connections, promote their offerings, and tailor their products to meet the needs of different markets. VisitScotland’s efforts in facilitating such interactions are crucial in driving tourism growth and strengthening international partnerships for Scottish businesses.