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.

Spain and Italy are two of Scotland’s key European markets bringing in almost 250,000 visitors and £144 million each year. The launch of several new direct flights to Edinburgh from Barcelona, Madrid and Milan gives the potential to grow these markets even further.

VisitScotland is working closely on jointly funded marketing campaigns with key carriers, such as easyJet and Jet2.com, to promote these new direct routes in order to stimulate an increase in business and contribute to the industry growth ambition to increase tourism revenue by 50% by 2015.

The Spanish and Italian travel trade also remain an important distribution channel for Scottish product, and VisitScotland’s sales mission will provide a platform for Scottish tourism businesses to engage on a one-to-one basis with decision makers from key Spanish and Italian operators. The mission will centre on half-day workshops in the cities of Barcelona, Madrid and Milan, and includes all accommodation and travel arrangements.

If you are interested in the trade mission and would like further details, please contact your local Business Relationship Manager or Joanne Lumsden on tel: 0131 472 2341, email: joanne.lumsden@visitscotland.com