National

Below you will find all articles for this news feed.

If you click on a year you will see all archived articles for that year and if you click on a specific month, you will only see the articles for that month of the year you have selected.

| 2008 | 2007 | 2006 |

Brazilians go nuts for Scotland’s cities

20/05/2008
This year’s VisitScotland Expo saw our first ever Brazilian group come to Scotland, and their experience has resulted in some brand new cities programmes for Brazilian visitors.    More...

Scotland’s visitor attractions draw in the crowds

20/05/2008
Last year over 45 million visits were made to Scottish attractions, according to VisitScotland’s Scottish Visitor Attraction Monitor.   More...

Tourism business survey

20/05/2008
During the second half of May a major survey of businesses who are involved in tourism will be undertaken by independent market research company TNS Travel & Tourism.    More...

VisitScotland Business Tourism Unit news

20/05/2008
A Scotland Means Business workshop, an exhibition in Frankfurt and a BusinessFirst event in New York have all seen VisitScotland’s Business Tourism Unit (BTU) in action recently.   More...

What's new on our corporate website?

20/05/2008
Content on visitscotland.org is constantly being updated. These are the main areas of new content loaded recently.
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Homecoming Scotland 2009: Join our celebrations

20/05/2008
Homecoming Scotland 2009 will consist of a programme of exciting and inspirational events and activities across Scotland throughout the year.    More...

Know your customer - police campaign

20/05/2008
Details of a campaign run in partnership with the police service to advise businesses on their awareness of potential security risks.   More...

Small Business Bonus Scheme

20/05/2008
Information on the new Small Business Bonus Scheme introduced by the Scottish Government and how businesses can apply for it.   More...

Kudos for foodies - but what's your great food stories?

20/05/2008
VisitScotland's PR team are looking for your new and interesting food stories to play a part in their campaigns to highlight Scotland's great cuisine.   More...

Do you know what's on in your area?

20/05/2008
Stay ahead of what’s happening in Scotland and how to pass on information to your visitors about events they can experience.    More...

Tartan Clef awards need your live act nominations

20/05/2008
Music fans are being asked to nominate the best live music performances seen and heard in Scotland.   More...

Information updates for visitscotland.com

20/05/2008
A reminder to businesses wishing to update their details on visitscotland.com.   More...

New VisitScotland Travel Trade Day for businesses

20/05/2008
VisitScotland’s travel trade programme gives you the opportunity to target hundreds of thousands of potential visitors at major exhibitions such as World Travel Market, Travel Trade Britain, Best of British and of course our own flagship event, VisitScotland expo.   More...

Scottish Tourism Forum - open meeting

20/05/2008
Find out how tourism businesses can develop alongside the industry's ambition for sector growth.    More...

Scenario planning update

20/05/2008
The latest Tomorrow's World scenario planning briefing looks at sports tourism and we say goodbye to VisitScotland's scenario planner Ian Yeoman.   More...

Working in partnership to improve services for tourism businesses

20/05/2008
An update on VisitScotland's restructure.   More...

People 1st employer's meeting, Glasgow Marriott

20/05/2008
People 1st have organised an employers' meeting to look at the position of apprentice training in the tourism industry.   More...

‘Robbie Burns – Your Business!’

20/05/2008
Brush up your cultural product knowledge ready for Homecoming 2009 with a new CD-based course developed by Scottish Agricultural College with the assistance of members of Alloway Burns Club.   More...

Just over two weeks left to enter this year’s Scottish Thistle Awards

20/05/2008
There are just over two weeks to go before the closing date for entries to this year’s Scottish Thistle Awards at midnight on Thursday 5th June.    More...

Barcelona return to Scotland

20/05/2008
Spanish football giants Barcelona return to Scotland for their pre-season training in a repeat of their successful visit in 2007.   More...

New European campaign to attract year-round visitors

17/03/2008
2008 marks the fifth year of the ‘Scotland - Welcome to our Life’ Pan-European Touring Campaign - VisitScotland’s key international brand campaign.

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Wind farms - Scottish Government research published

17/03/2008
The Scottish Government has published research on 'The Economic Impacts of Wind Farms on Scottish Tourism'.   More...

Perfect Café Days at BTTF

17/03/2008
VisitScotland showcased the very best that Scottish tourism has to offer to buyers from the UK market at the British Travel Trade Fair in Birmingham recently, as well as continuing the Perfect Day campaign and further promotion of the Café Days campaign.   More...

New visitscotland.com on track for launch

17/03/2008
The new VisitScotland.com website is on track for launch on 2 April 2008 and is expected to be the most significant change to the UK’s most popular tourism destination website in six years.   More...

Discovery Tours 2008 - invitation to encounter Highlights, Hidden Treasures and Delights

17/03/2008
Pride & Passion are running a ‘Discovery Tour’ around various parts of Scotland to help build and update local knowledge of what the area has to offer visitors.    More...

Tourism Management Development Programme - previewed and reviewed

17/03/2008
The Scottish Enterprise series of tourism management development events comes to a close this week. The agency concludes its 2007-08 programme with a sell-out event on outdoor activity tourism – and a Business Insight workshop on making the most of performance venues.    More...

VisitScotland expo 2008 - last chance to book

17/03/2008
Organised by Scotland’s national tourism organisation VisitScotland, expo is Scotland’s only flagship business to business event for the travel trade that is entirely Scottish.    More...

Booking scams - advice and alerts

17/03/2008
Accommodation providers are asked to remain alert to possible booking scams. A recent one highlighted by a business in Lewis shows the approach and style used by potential fraudsters.    More...

Business Tourism is the Main Event

17/03/2008
VisitScotland's Business Tourism Unit have been heavily involved recently in promoting Scotland as an attractive location for conferences and events.   More...

EventScotland launch new World Cross Country Microsite

17/03/2008
As part of the build-up to the 36th IAAF World Cross Country Championships, EventScotland has launched a new microsite looking specifically at how Scotland brought the Worlds to Edinburgh.
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Are you setting up a new business in the countryside?

17/03/2008
If you have recently begun your life change or are about to take the plunge, producers of Five’s popular TV series ‘Build a New Life in the Country’ want to hear from you.
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VisitScotland.org - new content report

17/03/2008
New content published includes new research on our visitors' experiences and tourism-related employment in Scotland as well as new content in our Marketing Opportunities and Partnership Working sections.   More...

New content on visitscotland.org

19/02/2008
New content on visitscotland.org includes newly published research on our international visitors and the survey results on the 2007 Walking campaign.   More...

What Visitors to Scotland Are Saying - Latest Research

19/02/2008
Visitors to Scotland tell us about their holiday experiences. Find out what visitors from Scotland and the rest of the UK, France, Italy, Germany and Canada think about Scotland.   More...

Book now for Tourism Innovation Day - 28 February

19/02/2008
Get involved by attending and by taking part in an online technology survey for Tourism Innovation Day 2008 at Hampden Park, Glasgow showcasing the best and latest in technology applicable to the tourism sector.   More...

Tourist Board Training - gearing up for Homecoming

19/02/2008
Tourist Board Training are running online courses aimed at allowing businesses to make the most of opportunities that Homecoming Scotland will bring.   More...

Homecoming 2009 events funding deadline

19/02/2008
With a week to go until the funding application deadline, the Homecoming Scotland team is delighted with the interest Scotland’s event organisers have shown in the £1 million Themed Events Programme.

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China Now in Scotland

19/02/2008
China Now in Scotland is part of CHINA NOW - the largest festival of Chinese culture ever in the UK - launches in February 2008, with a series of high-profile events to mark the beginning of the Chinese New Year.

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Scottish Guest House And Bed & Breakfast Association - are you a member?

19/02/2008
The Scottish Guest House and Bed & Breakfast Association (GHABBA) is mounting a drive to attract new members.   More...

Home of Golf at The Glenlivet City Links

19/02/2008
VisitScotland teamed up with the USA’s no.1 single malt Scotch whisky to promote the home of golf.   More...

Burns Night at an address for the ladies…

19/02/2008
The celebs were out in force last month, when VisitScotland and partner VOGUE.com threw a fabulous party at Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge to celebrate Burns Night… with a stylishly Glaswegian twist.    More...

Getting the right qualifications for the Future - your input needed

19/02/2008
People 1st, employers and providers in Scotland are working hard to create and maintain qualifications to meet the needs of the industry and offer an opportunity to influence that learning provision, as part of the current review.   More...

Scottish Country Sports Tourism Group promote Scotland in Dortmund

19/02/2008
The Scottish Country Sports Tourism Group recently exhibited to raise the profile of Scotland as a hunting and fishing destination.   More...

Back 2 the floor – March 2008

19/02/2008
We are challenging those of you whose usual habitat is in an office in front of a screen to roll up your sleeves and go back to the front line shoulder to shoulder with front of house staff. It's a great opportunity to place yourself at the sharp end of your businesses experiencing customer reactions first hand.   More...

VisitScotland's Business Tourism Unit news

19/02/2008
The Business Tourism Unit recently completed two visits abroad, to North America and India.   More...

People 1st’s February Event for learning providers and employers

21/01/2008
People 1st have pleasure in announcing the first consultation event for 2008.   More...

Tourist Board Training - Online Training

21/01/2008
With 2009 the year of Homecoming Scotland the online ancestral course could be the way into this potential market.   More...

Snowdrops and stars – winter activities

21/01/2008
These events are hosted by three snowdrop gardens to deliver special events during the Scottish Snowdrop Festival to help visitors enjoy the sparkling white stars of Scotland’s clear winter skies.    More...

100k Welcomes update on new technology and new courses

21/01/2008
In an age where technology makes virtually anything downloadable, a group of business trainers have become some of the first in the UK who are using it to chalk up some powerful results in customer satisfaction.   More...

Get inspired at Tourism Innovation Day 2008

21/01/2008
See the best and latest in technology applicable to the tourism sector at this year's Tourism Innovation Day at Hampden Park, Glasgow on 28 February.   More...

Is Scotland’s tourism sector set for digital TV switchover?

21/01/2008
Scotland hoteliers and B&Bs are still unprepared for the forthcoming switchover to digital TV and run the risk of their guests being stuck with blank screens, with the country’s first switchover region being the least prepared.   More...

Marketing Excellence Awards Scotland 2008

21/01/2008
The search is on for the stars of marketing excellence in Scotland. With 24 awards from Business Start-Up to PR and Business Innovation, there’s bound to be a category that relates to your business.   More...

VisitScotland's North American Marketing Opportunities for 2008

21/01/2008
VisitScotland continues its trade and consumer marketing activity in Scotland’s biggest overseas markets for 2008, and there are some great opportunities for you to get involved.    More...

VisitScotland launches US spring touring campaign

21/01/2008
Car touring represents the largest leisure tourism market to Scotland from the US and the spring touring campaign is the largest campaign VisitScotland runs in the US.    More...

Scottish Enterprise news

21/01/2008
The latest news on the tourism events from Scottish Enterprise.   More...

The Tourism Foodkit comes to life!

21/01/2008
Owners of the “Success Story” businesses, which are showcased on the Tourism Foodkit, will be among those sharing their good food secrets on Day Two of Scotland Food & Drink’s first national conference.   More...

VisitScotland.com Extranet and Web in a Box training courses

21/01/2008
VisitScotland.com offers tailored training courses on the Extranet and Web in a Box applications.   More...

2008 Asia and Middle East Travel Trade Activities – Get Involved

21/01/2008
If you are interested the Asia and Middle East market, here’s an overview of this year’s opportunities for you.    More...

New online VisitScotland Annual Report 2006-7

18/12/2007
This year for the first time VisitScotland's Annual Report is totally online. The new annual report gives an insight into VisitScotland's activities, with TV adverts and examples of domestic and international marketing campaigns.   More...

New information on www.visitscotland.org

18/12/2007
A round-up of helpful links to new information published on www.visitscotland.org - VisitScotland's Industry Website, during the November and December.   More...

New Award Category for Scottish Thistle Awards

18/12/2007
The Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT), with the support of The Moffat Charitable Trust has entered into a three-year partnership with VisitScotland to create a new category in the annual Scottish Thistle Awards.    More...

Training for Tourism scheme

18/12/2007
Training for Tourism (TfT) is an online resource which guides participants through a range of modules, including motivation skills, work-life balance, customer care, financial management, e-marketing and managing change.
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Scotland United - Wednesday 5 March 2008

18/12/2007
The Scottish tourism industry's conference, Scotland United, returns next year as the highlight of Scottish Tourism Week 2008 (4– 11 March). Jim Mather, Minister of Enterprise, Energy and Tourism, will open the event, which has a theme of 'Invest in Scottish Tourism,' on Wednesday 5 March at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh.   More...

Tourism Innovation Day - 28 February, Glasgow

18/12/2007
With advances in digital, mobile and business technology, no tourism organisation can afford to miss the 2008 Tourism Innovation Day (TiD), 28 February 2008 at Hampden Park, Glasgow. The theme, "Tourism and Technology", reflects the dependence that the tourism sector has on using technology to achieve success.   More...

Free online training

18/12/2007
Why not take the opportunity to complete an online course FREE of charge by enhancing your product knowledge of Scotland, or taking a virtual learning journey around Cairngorms National Park.
   More...

Scotland's cities all white for a winter break

18/12/2007
VisitScotland is revamping its city break website, www.visitscotland.com/citybreaks, to help show winter holidaymakers all the fantastic things to do and see in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Stirling during the winter months.
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Search begins for Scotland's Diamond Geezer

18/12/2007
Women are being asked which Scottish celebrity they would most like to receive a diamond from in their Christmas stocking this year as part of a nationwide campaign to attract winter visitors to Scotland.
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Anniversary couples encouraged to take a romantic break to Scotland

18/12/2007
Married couples are being given help finding some of the best locations and things to do in Scotland to mark individual anniversaries depending on how long they have been married on a new section of VisitScotland's weddings website www.visitscotland.com/scottishwedding
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Twinkle, Twinkle wish upon a white shooting star!

18/12/2007
Three snowdrop gardens are hosting special events during the Scottish Snowdrop Festival to help visitors enjoy the sparkling white stars of Scotland’s clear winter skies.

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STF Open Meeting, 5th Dec, Glasgow

19/11/2007
Find out how tourism businesses can best profit from events and festival at STF's next Open Meeting ‘Rising to the Event; profiting through event collaboration’ at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Wednesday 5th December.

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Promote your business to customers from Europe in the off peak season

19/11/2007
Be part of a campaign to drive more visitors Scotland in the off peak season, by providing a special offer or deal for the VisitScotland touring websites. The cost of participation is £60.   More...

Can the Scottish Government realistically achieve its aim for a 50% increase in tourism revenue by 2015?

19/11/2007
This is just one of the questions posed by the Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee in its call for evidence on the feasibility of the Scottish Government’s ambition for tourism growth.   More...

Society of Amercian Travel Writers 52nd Conference

19/11/2007
In October, VisitScotland were gold sponsors at the Society of Amercian Travel writers Conference, held in Manchester. A total of 500 participants came over from North America to take part in the conference.   More...

Scandinavia & Benelux Exhibitions 2008 - Book your place now!

19/11/2007
There is still the opportunity to participate in the Scandinavia & Benelux exhibitions taking place early next year. Excellent opportunity to meet both trade and consumers. Costs start at £1,500.
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New Fire Safety Legislation - Practical Guides to help Tourism Businesses

19/11/2007
Information for small tourism businesses which provide sleeping accommodation and are required to comply with a new fire safety regime introduced by Part 3 of the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005.   More...

Apprentices for the Future

19/11/2007
All those engaged in the Modern Apprenticeship or Skillseekers Programme in Hospitality and Travel are invited to attend the next event in People 1st’s Continual Professional Development diary.    More...

Niche market workshops

19/11/2007
Forget the mulled wine and quench your thirst for knowledge, with one of these tinsel-tastic learning opportunities.

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Trade shows bringing Scottish businesses in touch with buyers

19/11/2007
A report on World Travel Market, one of the biggest international marketing platforms in the world and the opportunity to exhibit at British Travel Trade Fair and VisitScotland expo.   More...

Breakfast at the Falls

19/11/2007
A touch of Hollywood glamour is being used to bring visitors to Scotland this winter with former Miss Scotland Aisling Friel encouraging them to explore all things white over the coming months at the launch of the Winter White Campaign.    More...

Scenario Planning news

19/11/2007
The latest updates from VisitScotland's Scenario Planning team.   More...

PR Award successes for VisitScotland and BAA

19/11/2007
VisitScotland and BAA both won awards at the prestigious CIPR Pride Awards, held at the Radisson Hotel in Glasgow on Friday 16th November.   More...

Tourism Innovation Day 2008

19/11/2007
Tourism Innovation Day, entitled “Tourism & Technology”, is on the 28th of February in Glasgow.   More...

Scottish Enterprise update

19/11/2007
An update on Scottish Enterprise events coming up including tourism masterclasses, Business Insight workshops and success for a bus tour company.   More...

Have your say at the VisitScotland Annual Public Meeting

19/11/2007
Do you have a burning question you would like to ask the VisitScotland Chairman? Do you want the chance to meet members of the Board and the Senior Management Team?
   More...

VisitScotland opening up opportunities for Scottish tourism businesses

19/11/2007
Sales missions, workshops and familiarisation trips are just some of the ways VisitScotland's international marketing team is opening up business opportunities for Scottish suppliers in developing markets.   More...

Scotland set to welcome bikers following in Ewan McGregor’s tracks

19/11/2007
Scotland set to welcome bikers following in Ewan McGregor’s tracks. Budding ‘Ewan McGregors’ and ‘Charley Boormans’ will be able to find motorbike friendly establishments in Scotland before they visit on their own trips, thanks to a new facility launched by VisitScotland on the VisitScotland.com website.    More...

VisitScotland's Sales Mission to Russia

19/11/2007
Twenty one of Scotland’s leading tourism businesses headed to Moscow and St. Petersburg in October to meet directly with the key Russian tour operators and decision makers and benefit from the emerging luxury Russian market.   More...

Opportunity to take part in VisitScotland's pan-Euro Cities Campaign

19/11/2007
There are still opportunities to take part in VisitScotland's pan-Euro cities campaign running until December 2007 across Germany, Netherlands, France, Sweden, Spain and Italy.    More...

Christmas Competition 2007 opportunity

19/11/2007
This is a free opportunity for business customers to take part in an online consumer Christmas card.   More...

New information on visitscotland.org - the Industry website

23/10/2007
As well as the installation of a new search facility on the site, a whole range of new content has been published on visitscotland.org including the new corporate plan and other information in areas including research, events and training, marketing opportunities and partnership working.   More...

Scottish tourism businesses on VisitScotland trade mission to Italy and Spain

23/10/2007
Representatives from Scotland’s tourism sector joined forces and headed to Italy and Spain in September to forge stronger business relationships with their European counterparts.   More...

UK Awareness Guide 2008

23/10/2007
An update on the UK Main Awareness Guide.   More...

Scottish Thistle Awards 2007 - winners to be announced soon

23/10/2007
The winners of this year's awards will be announced at the glittering ceremony on Friday 26 October and the results will be made available to businesses as soon as is possible.   More...

Making the Web Work for You

23/10/2007
Highlands & Islands Enterprise, in partnership with the Scottish Tourism Forum and VisitScotland, bring a workshop, designed specifically for people involved in the tourist industry, to your local area.    More...

Smoking Ban legislation and signage

23/10/2007
As from 26th March 2006 it was also an offence not to display a mandatory sign in all enclosed premises which include Bed and Breakfast establishments and guest houses etc, as well as certain motor vehicles.    More...

VisitScotland research news

23/10/2007
News on a forthcoming visitors' survey and a new piece of research on fishing.   More...

People 1st – industry qualifications forums

23/10/2007
Would you like the opportunity to influence the offer of Hospitality & Tourism qualifications for the future?   More...

Blooming Wonderful - Scotland's gardens go online

23/10/2007
A new website featuring over 400 Scottish Scottish gardens has been launched.   More...

Pan-European Touring Campaign 2008

23/10/2007
International Marketing will be launching its fifth Pan-European Touring Campaign in 2008 targeting the markets of Germany, Spain, Netherlands, France and Italy.    More...

Have your say at the VisitScotland Annual Public Meeting

23/10/2007
Do you have a burning question you would like to ask the VisitScotland Chairman?   More...

Scenario Planning update

23/10/2007
This month's update includes 4 articles:
1.Green futures new section
2.Tomorrow’s World
3.Thought Leadership series
4.Long term forecasts
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Pride & Passion’s Visitor Experience Workshops

23/10/2007
Pride & Passion’s autumn programme of free Visitor Experience Workshops is filling up fast, so if you’d like to sign up for an event please contact them as soon as you can.
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‘Scottish Tourism in the Future’ - Scottish Tourism Intelligence new guide

23/10/2007
Following on from the success of the Walking Tourism guide, look out for the second guide in the Series from Tourism Intelligence Scotland which is available now.   More...

Scottish Enterprise Tourism Management Development Programme 2007/08

23/10/2007
Two events: Business Tourism Conference, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Glasgow – Tuesday 20 November 2007 and the start of the Scottish Enterprise Tourism Masterclasses.   More...

Scottish Government make announcement on Skills Development

17/09/2007
Education and Lifelong Learning Secretary Fiona Hyslop announced the merger of Careers Scotland and Learndirect Scotland as part of a national focus on a single skills body.   More...

Scotland benefits from world’s top Mountain bike event

17/09/2007
Scotland lived up to its reputation as the number one mountain biking destination in Europe this month when the world’s top bikers descended on Fort William for the biggest event in the international mountain biking calendar.   More...

Dobbies invest in the 2008 Scottish Snowdrop Festival

17/09/2007
VisitScotland is delighted to announce that Dobbies Garden Centres will sponsor the 2008 Scottish Snowdrop Festival.    More...

Good Food comes to Scotland, 2-4 November 2007

17/09/2007
This Autumn, BBC Haymarket Exhibitions is bringing its highly successful BBC Good Food Show to Scotland for the very first time. Taking place at the SECC in Glasgow between 2 and 4 November, BBC Haymarket is confident that the show will be every bit as successful as its London and Birmingham counterparts.    More...

Red Square turns tartan with major Scottish showcase

17/09/2007
Moscow’s world famous Red Square turned tartan last week as Kremlin Zoria - Russia’s first ever international military tattoo - took place.    More...

Scottish celebration in the heart of London

17/09/2007
Some of Scotland’s famous faces joined forces to entice thousands of Londoners to come to Scotland earlier this month. The London Gathering, which was sponsored by VisitScotland, was a two day cultural event showcasing the best of Scotland in the heart of London.   More...

Wildlife partnership with BBC education magazine

17/09/2007
In an effort to inspire more children about Scotland’s wildlife, VisitScotland is working in partnership with BBC’s flagship ‘Learning is Fun’ magazine. This month over 65,000 packs of Scottish Wildlife Trumps cards will be distributed with the magazine, which is for children aged 5-8.   More...

EatScotland news update

17/09/2007
This update has news on Director Kevin MacGilivray and a new website focussing on Scotland's seasonal foods.   More...

Tourist Board Training news

17/09/2007
The 2007 Autumn Programme of Events is now well established with workshops being held throughout the Highlands, Islands and Lowlands of Scotland.   More...

Tourism Innovation Day – Thursday February 28, 2008, Glasgow. Get the date in your diary!

17/09/2007
The theme is “Tourism and Technology” - reflecting the dependence that tourism has on applying technology to achieve growth and success. Whether you’re an early adopter or a technology laggard, come to Hampden Park in Glasgow to be inspired and informed.    More...

New Chief Operating Officer for EventScotland

17/09/2007
Paul Bush OBE has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer at EventScotland, the national events agency.   More...

Muriel Gray shows Pride and Passion

17/09/2007
Pride & Passion has two exciting bits of news this month: a great new programme of theatre workshops and a new celebrity supporter.    More...

Scottish Enterprise events update

17/09/2007
Scottish Enterprise have a number of events coming up soon, including the launch of the Online Foodkit and an update on 100K Welcomes.   More...

Scotland’s events and festivals set to draw visitors

27/08/2007
Scotland’s iconic events and festivals are being used as a draw for affluent visitors from London and the south of England. VisitScotland has created a new website - www.visitscotland.com/liveit - as part of a range of marketing activity targeting these hard to reach consumers.   More...

The Scottish Café Trail - nominations wanted

27/08/2007
VisitScotland is asking regular Scottish visitors to nominate their favourite cafes to create The Scottish Café Trail – a new initiative designed to inspire other visitors and promote Scotland in new light.    More...

Scotland’s events and festivals set to draw visitors from the South East

27/08/2007
Scotland’s iconic events and festivals are being used as a draw for affluent visitors from London and the south of England. VisitScotland has created a new website - www.visitscotland.com/liveit - as part of a range of marketing activity targeting these hard to reach consumers.   More...

Scottish Tourism Forum AGM and Open Meeting

27/08/2007
The Scottish Tourism Forum’s popular AGM and Open Meeting will be held at Discovery Point in Dundee on Thursday 4 October 2007. The industry Open Meeting (open to all) begins at 11am and will look at the ‘Ingredients for Success for Scottish Tourism’   More...

Scottish Enterprise Sustainable Tourism Conference - 2 October 2007

27/08/2007
Scottish Enterprise’s Sustainable Tourism Conference will take place on 2 October 2007 hosted by well-known writer and broadcaster, Muriel Gray. This event aims to promote good practice and will provide first hand accounts in sustainable tourism success from a wide range of tourism speakers.   More...

Scottish Enterprise Tourism Management Development Programme

27/08/2007
The Scottish Enterprise Tourism Management Development Programme 2007/2008 will shortly commence, consisting of National Conferences, Executive Seminars, Learning Journeys, Masterclasses, Business Insights and many more local courses and partner events. The first of these events will be the Sustainable Tourism Conference, which will take place in October 2007.   More...

Scottish Enterprise Tourism Masterclasses, Gleneagles Hotel

27/08/2007
Scottish Enterprise’s next series of Tourism Masterclasses, due to be held during 2007/2008, held in partnership with Gleneagles Hotel, commence in November 2007. All Masterclasses will be held at the wonderful venue of Gleneagles Hotel, Perth and below you will find further details on the forthcoming events and how to book your place to avoid disappointment.   More...

Scottish Enterprise Learning Journey, Schindlerhof Hotel, Germany

27/08/2007
Book now for the Scottish Enterprise Executive Development Learning Journey to Klaus Kobjoll’s award-winning Schindlerhof Hotel in Nuremberg, Germany and get an early bird discount.   More...

“Learning in Work Forum – getting the qualifications right for hospitality!”

27/08/2007
People 1st will be holding a forum on 11th September to look at the area of hospitality supervision and the content and provision for skills development. These forums are essential for continual professional development, keeping you up-to-date and ensuring you are involved with the content and delivery of learning.    More...

Latvia study visit opportunity (23-30 September)

27/08/2007
Tourist Board Training is offering individuals the opportunity to visit Latvia on a study visit.   More...

Scenario Planning News

27/08/2007
Updates from VisitScotland's Scenario Planning team.   More...

Pride & Passion announces six new Community Challenge locations

27/08/2007
Pride & Passion is delighted to announce the new communities where our next Challenges will be located. In the north, they’ll be beavering away in Orkney, Dufftown and Keith, while further south Pitlochry, Peebles and Balloch will be getting it on in the name of the visitors…and in the name of better business, of course!   More...

Competition prizes required for new Tourist Information Centre campaign

27/08/2007
VisitScotland is seeking to take advantage of the high volume of consumers who visit Tourist Information Centres (TICs) by running seasonal prize draws to obtain personal, loyalty and interest information on consumers for future communications, and prizes are required for these seasonal competitions.
   More...

Scotland in Brittany

27/08/2007
The Lorient Interceltique Festival ran from 3rd to 12th August and is Europe’s biggest Celtic music event. It attracts around 700,000 people to the town of Lorient in Brittany. This year, Scotland was the festival’s guest of honour – a great opportunity to showcase Scotland to an already enthusiastic audience.    More...

Scottish Thistle Awards 2007 - shortlist announcement

27/08/2007
The shortlist for Scotland's most-prestigious tourism awards has been announced.   More...

Scotland to be showcased at major European Celtic festival

23/07/2007
Scotland will be showcased at the largest Celtic gathering in Europe next month. VisitScotland has commissioned the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society to create a new dance which will be performed for the first time at the Festival Interceltique in Lorient, France in August.   More...

Sam Torrance tees off new ‘top ten’ tourism drive

23/07/2007
VisitScotland has developed a website to show visitors that there is always more to do and see in Scotland and to encourage them to plan a trip to experience it for themselves. Golf legend Sam Torrance is the first to select his Scottish ‘top 10’, which includes Highland Park Distillery, Floors Castle, the Wallace Monument and Largs.   More...

New 2006 Golf Research

23/07/2007
There are a number of research documents on golf tourism available, ranging from facts and figures to information on attitudes and characteristics of golfing tourists. Information on international markets covered are the US, Sweden and Germany.   More...

VisitScotland Challenge Fund

23/07/2007
Over the next few months VisitScotland will be reassessing Challenge Fund, taking account of learnings to date and in particular considering how these can be built upon for the future.   More...

Help find the UK’s 21 Top Dog Walks

23/07/2007
Hill’s Pet Nutrition and VisitScotland have joined forces to launch search for 21 Top Dog Walks to demonstrate the fantastic range of dog walks around Scotland.   More...

Scottish Enterprise Sustainable Tourism Conference - 2 October 2007

23/07/2007
Scottish Enterprise’s full 2007/2008 Tourism Management Development Programme kicks off in October with the Sustainable Tourism Conference. The Sustainable Tourism Conference will be hosted by the fantastic Muriel Gray. The event aimed to promote examples of good practice in sustainable tourism.   More...

Scottish Enterprise Tourism Masterclasses, Gleneagles Hotel

23/07/2007
Scottish Enterprise’s next series of awe-inspiring Tourism Masterclasses 2007/2008 held in partnership with Gleneagles Hotel kick off in November 2007. Confirmed motivational speakers presenting at Gleneagles are Jane Sunley from learnpurple, Paul Cookley from the Ritz Carlton and Richard Richardson of Marketing Judo.   More...

Scottish Enterprise Tourism Management Development Programme

23/07/2007
Scottish Enterprise presents to you the all new Tourism Management Development Programme. This consists of 3 National Conferences (including a Sustainable Tourism Conference), 2 Executive Seminars, 1 Learning Journey, expert-led Masterclasses, Business Insights and many more local courses and partner events. The full 2007/2008 Tourism Management Development Programme kicks off in October 2007.   More...

Scenario Planning update

23/07/2007
VisitScotland's Scenario Planning team have published new material on tourism and currency exchange rates and invite you to a seminar on sustainability and ethical consumerism.   More...

Real Ale funding is no small beer

23/07/2007
A national Real Ale Trail developed by a consortium of Scottish brewers to attract visitors on the strength of the country’s quality beers and ales has won financial support from VisitScotland’s Challenge Fund.   More...

New guides needed to welcome visitors from Russia and China with love

23/07/2007
The search is on for Russian and Chinese speakers to welcome a growing number of high spending visitors from the eastern countries to Scotland.   More...

Scottish mountain biking goes underground

23/07/2007
Busy commuters on the London Underground are being shown the ride of their life this month as a virtual Scottish mountain biker is travelling down the escalators alongside them.    More...

Wildlife pack proves a hit with Scots school kids

23/07/2007
An education pack designed to inspire Scottish children about the nation’s wildlife has been praised by teachers. VisitScotland devised the free resource for schools last year following research which showed that fewer Scots are influenced to holiday in Scotland by the country’s amazing wildlife than international visitors.   More...

Competition prizes required for new radio campaigns

23/07/2007
VisitScotland is looking to develop relationships with two key radio stations to promote short break messages to key target markets in Northern England, Scotland and/or Northern Ireland, and is looking for prizes to incentivise the activity.   More...

The BBC Good Food Show comes to Scotland

23/07/2007
This Autumn, BBC Haymarket Exhibitions is bringing its highly successful BBC Good Food Show to Scotland for the very first time.    More...

Tourism Barometer – how is your business performing?

23/07/2007
VisitScotland Tourism Barometer is a regular tracking study assessing the current state of the Scottish tourism market. A volunteer panel of 400 tourism businesses are asked about their business performance and perceived future prospects.    More...

Snowdrop Festival a great success

18/06/2007
Research shows that more than 66,000 visitors flocked to some of Scotland’s most spectacular gardens this winter to enjoy the first ever national Snowdrop Festival.    More...

New CEO for the Scottish Tourism Forum

18/06/2007
The Scottish Tourism Forum is delighted to announce the appointment of their new CEO, Iain Herbert.   More...

Are you creating unforgettable experiences?

18/06/2007
Does your business rely on Scotland's remarkable heritage? Do you want to learn from the best about how to create truly memorable experiences for your visitors? Read on for more details about how to get the 'Vital Spark'.   More...

Scenario Planning Update

18/06/2007
The Scenario Planning team have produced a new Viewpoint: Kermit once said it wasn’t easy being green, in which the trends and tensions of ethical consumption are looked at. There is also a special double issue of ‘Tomorrow's World’ newsletter on the subject of ‘adventure tourism and a risk adverse society’.    More...

Scottish tourism statistics 2006

18/06/2007
Tourism statistics for 2006 show strong growth in the volume and value of international tourism to Scotland. Scotland has also maintained its share of the domestic tourism market in a challenging year.
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Delta Air Lines to launch daily service linking Edinburgh with New York JFK

18/06/2007
Delta Air Lines is to offer the only scheduled nonstop service between New York JFK and Scotland, tailored to meet customer demands.   More...

International project success for VisitScotland's Quality & Standards

18/06/2007
VisitScotland has picked up a prestigious international award at the US International Film & Video Awards.   More...

Beautiful Scotland campaign launched

18/06/2007
The Beautiful Scotland campaign was launched last month in Arden, Glasgow, by Carole Baxter of The Beechgrove Garden and John Summers OBE, Chief Executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful.
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Tourist Board Training opportunities

18/06/2007
Tourist Board Training's 2007 Programme of Events is now well established with workshops being held throughout Scotland in both Spring and Autumn.
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Target the Spanish and Italian travel trade: 17-21 September 2007

18/06/2007
New for September 2007, VisitScotland is planning a Scotland sales mission to Barcelona, Madrid & Milan, providing an opportunity for 10-15 Scottish businesses to meet with key Spanish & Italian travel trade contacts. Don’t miss this excellent opportunity to target the Spanish & Italian travel trade directly.    More...

Do I need a special licence?

18/06/2007
There is often confusion as to what licences you need for having TVs and playing music within your business. Read on for some guidance.   More...

VisitScotland honours Shrek with his very own tartan

18/06/2007
VisitScotland has provided a helping hand to a customer with a difference – a very large customer, who is about to hit movie screens across the land, as the latest Shrek movie – “Shrek the Third” – is released in Europe and the UK later this month.

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Scotland’s first Classic Car Challenge gets Green Light

18/06/2007
Car enthusiasts are being encouraged to experience the drive of their lives in style with the launch of the first Borders Classic Car Challenge.

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New guide promotes 'responsible escapism'

18/06/2007
‘Ecoescape’ is a new travel guide which makes it easy for visitors to chose the green option when holidaying in the UK.    More...

Connect2 the people's millions

18/06/2007
Sustrans, the UK’s leading sustainable transport charity, is working to win a multi-million pound grant which would benefit various communities throughout the UK, four of which are in Scotland.   More...

'Heather Hopper' makes welcome return

18/06/2007
The Cairngorms National Park offers residents, businesses and staff, and visitors a more sustainable way of getting round the Park, through the re-introduction of the unique ‘Heather Hopper’ bus service.   More...

Rural community carbon network - call for support

18/06/2007
A national programme is being developed to support communities who are working to reduce their carbon footprint.    More...

Sustainable tourism news

23/05/2007
Introduction of a dedicated news feed for green/sustainable tourism news. Edit your profile to add these news items to your monthly newsletter.   More...

Tourist Board Training - programme of events

23/05/2007
The new summer programme of events is now up and running and not only covers the lowlands of Scotland but also the Highlands and Islands of Scotland after Tourist Board Training secured a Highland Project.   More...

Scottish Thistle Awards 2007

23/05/2007
Applications are now welcome for this year’s awards, showcasing excellence in the Scottish tourism industry.   More...

Top ten ways to calculate carbon footprint

23/05/2007
The Climate Group has published new advice and information outlining the top ten steps organisations can take to calculate their carbon footprint and how to motivate employees on climate change.

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Consumers ask operators to offer carbon offset

23/05/2007
Recent research carried out to mark British Tourism Week found that nearly 90% of UK consumers believe hotels and tourism companies have a responsibility to operate in a way that protects the environment.   More...

Advice on applying for a VIBES environment award

23/05/2007
The VIBES (Vision in Business for the Environment of Scotland) award categories recognise small, medium and large organisation sizes in all sectors and will be presented at a high profile awards ceremony in December.   More...

Travellers will pay more to stay at green hotels

23/05/2007
Recent research from TripAdvisor has revealed that more than a third of travellers are prepared to pay more to stay at an environmentally friendly hotel or resort.
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VisitScotland Challenge Fund

23/05/2007
Over the next few months VisitScotland will be reassessing Challenge Fund, taking account of learnings to date and in particular considering how these can be built upon for the future.   More...

VisitScotland Draft Corporate Plan 2007 to 2010

23/05/2007
Public consultation is still open on the environmental report produced in relation to VisitScotland’s draft Corporate Plan.    More...

VisitScotland short listed for UK PR “Oscars”

23/05/2007
VisitScotland's Communications team has been recognised in the CIPR Excellence Awards in the category of crisis communications for their work on the Avian Flu crisis in April last year.   More...

Scottish Biodiversity Week

23/05/2007
Running from 19th - 27th May, Scottish Biodiversity Week is an opportunity for visitors and locals to find out more about biodiversity in their area.

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VisitBritain’s “Easy-Access Britain” Guide - opportunity

23/05/2007
Are you an accommodation provider? Is your accommodation wheelchair accessible and part of VisitScotland’s accessibility scheme? If so, you should have received a mailing about VisitBritain/Tourism For All’s guide to accessible Britain for 2008.   More...

VisitScotland.com needs your availability

23/05/2007
If you haven't updated your availability with VisitScotland.com for the remainder of 2008, you could be missing out on vital booking opportunities. Potential visitors are already searching for accommodation for summer and beyond so contact us now to update your property.   More...

Campaign to tackle food-on-the-go litter

23/05/2007
Keep Scotland Beautiful has recently launched a new campaign to tackle the problem of litter resulting from ‘food-on-the-go’.    More...

Promote your business to visitors from Liverpool and Yorkshire

23/05/2007
VisitScotland is trialling joint press adverts in the Liverpool Echo and Yorkshire Post this autumn to encourage visitors to take a break in Scotland.   More...

Scandinavian Masters (16-19 August) - key opportunity

23/05/2007
VisitScotland will again be attending Sweden’s premier golf event in Stockholm this year and invites you participate on their stand.   More...

Aberdeen City and Shire - 10th Dine Around is launched

23/05/2007
From Saturday 2 June until Sunday 1 July, food lovers in Aberdeen City and Shire will be able to experience some of the area’s finest fare for a fixed price of £15 as VisitScotland launches its popular Dine Around offer in the region.    More...

Scenario Planning - event

23/05/2007
Professor Brian Ashcroft of the renowned Fraser of Allander Institute ponders over the debate about economic development, growth and fiscal autonomy in Scotland.
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Masterclass report - Henley Centre – Gleneagles - Monday 14 May 2007

23/05/2007
The 2006/2007 Tourism Management Development Programme finished with an outstanding Masterclass presented by Dr Michelle Harrison and Billie Moseley of the Henley Centre.    More...

Russian Trade Mission 8-12 October 2007 - get involved

23/05/2007
Don’t miss this excellent opportunity to benefit from the emerging luxurious Russian market and meet with the key Russian travel trade directly. Based on excellent feedback from last year’s mission, VisitScotland is now planning Scotland’s next sales mission to Moscow and St. Petersburg promoting leisure and business tourism in Scotland.    More...

BookingScotland.com reaches a global audience

23/05/2007
VisitScotland’s travel trade site has expanded from its beginnings in North America to encapsulate our global travel trade audience.    More...

Golf Industry Workshops

23/05/2007
Introducing a new series of 2007 Industry Workshops aimed at the golf industry.   More...

Tourism Management Development Programme

23/05/2007
The full Tourism Management Development Programme will be launched soon, so make sure you don’t miss out.   More...

Latest Middle East/Asia activities - get involved

23/05/2007
Work continues in Scotland’s key developing markets.   More...

Scottish Snowdrop Festival 2007 competition winners and opportunity for 2008

23/05/2007
The Scottish Snowdrop Festival took place between 1st February and 11th March 2007 at nearly 60 gardens across the country. It provided inspiration for over 300 children who entered the under 12’s drawing competition.    More...

Scottish Thistle Awards Go Green

23/04/2007
Applications for Scottish Thistle Awards are now open and you can apply online for the first time ever, making it easier and more environmentally friendly for you to enter this year.   More...

The Scottish Spring Collection has been unveiled

23/04/2007
At the start of April, VisitScotland unveiled its Scottish Spring Collection: the Spring campaign from UK & Ireland Marketing to encourage visitors to come to Scotland on a short break.   More...

500 international tourism buyers head to Scotland's national travel trade show

23/04/2007
VisitScotland Expo, Scotland's only flagship business to business event for the travel trade, took place on 18 and 19 April.   More...

German Trade Mission 19 – 21 June 2007 - invitation to businesses

23/04/2007
VisitScotland is inviting businesses to a Trade Mission to Munich to allow businesses to engage with the German travel trade direct.   More...

Scenario Planning update

23/04/2007
A round up of events and published material from VisitScotland's Scenario Planning team.   More...

VisitScotland Tourism Business of the Year Award

23/04/2007
There's still time to enter one of the most prestigious business award schemes in Scotland.
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Learning from Across the Globe - Masterclass, Monday 14 May 2007 - Gleneagles Hotel

23/04/2007
The next in the series of Tourism Masterclasses will be presented by Dr Michelle Harrison of the Henley Centre and will focus on changes in leisure and lifestyle and how these present opportunities for your business.

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A Mad March at Pride & Passion

23/04/2007
March was a busy month for Pride & Passion with 20 Discovery Tours being held throughout the country and the Back to the Floor Initiative taking place as part of Scottish Tourism Week. Fact sheets from the tours and pics of senior executives going back to the floor are now on the Pride & Passion website.    More...

Edinburgh Tourism Action Group – Visitor levy research

23/04/2007
Edinburgh Tourism Action Group (ETAG) has recently published research into consumer views of the introduction of visitor levies.   More...

The Tourism Society Annual Conference - 16-18 May, Aviemore

23/04/2007
The Tourism Society's Annual Conference theme is “Getting There, Future Access To Special Places”, to be held at MacDonald Aviemore Highland Resort, 16-18 May.

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VocMat launches new modules

23/04/2007
VocMat, the innovative new training solution for tourism, launched Phase Two of the pilot project at a seminar in Copenhagen recently.   More...

Scotland’s wildlife operators get stars in their eyes

23/04/2007
VisitScotland launched the new Wildlife Experience Grading Scheme with a five star flourish.    More...

Ancestral Tourism Training Workshops

23/04/2007
A workshop has been developed to ensure that tourism operators can maximise the potential benefits to their business from the growing ancestral tourism market, as well as meet the needs of ancestral tourists through the provision of quality service and informati