Welcome to the latest VisitScotland eUpdate, giving you an overview of VisitScotland's current activities.

This month:

• regional updates
  
• business opportunities
  
• industry events
  
• research
• marketing
  
• general news

ABERDEEN AND GRAMPIAN

Challenge Funding
With recent successful applications in the Aberdeen and Grampian area, tourism businesses are being urged to take advantage of the marketing opportunities available to them through VisitScotland's Challenge Fund. The fund was established to assist collaborative group marketing projects that attract new or repeat visitors to Scotland. Groups of three or more tourism businesses can apply for 40% of total project costs for amounts between £2,500 and £50,000. Funds from £2,500 to £50,000 can be awarded to groups of three or more tourism businesses to undertake marketing activity.

The closing date for the next round of the VisitScotland Challenge Fund is 28 February, for marketing activity between May 2006 and end of April 2007. If you are interested in finding out more about Challenge Fund or would like to discuss a potential project please contact Maureen Gorshkov Tel: 01224 288809 Maureen.Gorshkov@visitscotland.com or Laura Wilson Tel: 01224 288811, email: Laura.Wilson@visitscotland.com

ANGUS AND DUNDEE

The rating system is based on a number of criteria which directly relate to the 'visitor experience' and the 5-star award is only given to 'world class' products and venues. As Verdant Works and Discovery Point are the only two attractions in Dundee to have achieved this status, it is remarkable that a small charity is able to sustain this standard.

Tourism Partnership going for growth
The Angus & Dundee Area Tourism Partnership will hold the second meeting for key tourism stakeholders in the region to discuss local tourism matters.

The Area Tourism Partnership, supported by VisitScotland, is a locally focused tourism group with the express objectives of ensuring local needs and priorities are included in national and local plans. The meeting's key objective is to discuss and develop the Angus & Dundee Tourism Action Plan in order to build on the £103 million tourism contributes to the local economy.

ARGYLL, LOCH LOMOND AND FORTH VALLEY

Response to Executive on Beauly-Denny line
VisitScotland has made detailed representations to the Scottish Executive on the planning application for the proposed electricity transmission line stretching from Beauly to Denny. The 400kv overhead transmission line has been controversial for many in the industry who are concerned about the impact on the landscape and tourism businesses along its path. VisitScotland's response to the Executive has articulated support for the principle of developing sustainable tourism, while expressing serious concerns for the potential impact on tourism businesses and asking for further consideration.

Argyll, Loch Lomond and Forth Valley Tourism Action Plan - Have Your Say
The draft Argyll, Loch Lomond and Forth Valley Tourism Action Plan is now available for consultation on www.scotexchange.net

The preparation of an Argyll, Loch Lomond and Forth Valley Action Plan was seen as one of the first priorities of the Area Tourism Partnership as it establishes a joint framework for what needs to be done in the area to contribute towards the ambition to grow tourism by 50% by 2015.

The 63 actions have come from a series of 10 workshops, involving over 100 local businesses, the Area Tourism Partnership and officers from a wide range of agencies. They are set out under four themes: Knowing Your Market, Marketing & Promotion, Exceeding Visitors' Expectations and Being Sustainable, each highlighting opportunities for growth. The draft Action Plan also sets out some of the key facts and information about our markets as the background to the action plans and sets a series of targets to monitor local performance.

The challenge now is for all tourism partners, including every tourism business, to give some consideration to what they can do within the framework of the draft Action Plan to grow their own business and tourism across the area.

You can download the draft Action Plan now from www.scotexchange.net We would welcome your views, particularly on the following points:

- Does the draft Action Plan broadly capture most of the main issues and opportunities for tourism in the area?
- Is it completely missing any important issue or opportunity?
- Do you agree with the actions where businesses are allocated responsibility?
- Are there other actions that businesses should be involved in implementing?
- Which five actions do you think will make the biggest difference to tourism in your area?

Send your comments by e-mail to eileen.calveley@visitscotland.com by 28 February 2006.

Central to the campaign is the new 2006 Area and Accommodation Guide which features stunning photography of the area and strong themed spreads on topics such as activity and walking holidays, the area's unique wildlife, Argyll's Atlantic Islands (known as Scotland's Sea Kingdom), Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, a wide range of events, and local food and drink specialities. 300,000 copies of the guide have been printed.

The supporting marketing activity includes:

- a six-month long independent press advertising campaign featuring strong images of the area in mass market and specialist publications with a total circulation of over 60 million and a total readership of over 105 million
- direct mailing of the new brochure to 60,000 individuals who have previously expressed an interest in taking a holiday in the area and are therefore good prospects
- distribution to key tourist information centres throughout the UK, plus nearly 700 prime outlets in London, including at Heathrow Airport
- continuation of promotional special offers section on the local area website www.visitscottishheartlands.com
- regular e-bulletins to nearly 40,000 e-mail subscribers providing up-to-date with information on events and new products and activities.

AYRSHIRE & ARRAN

Ayrshire and Arran Tourism Conference
The Ayrshire and Arran Tourism Conference in association with the Area Tourism Partnership will be held on Thursday 23 February 2006 at Ayr Racecourse, Princess Royal Conference Centre. This conference is aimed at everyone with an interest in tourism in Ayrshire & Arran. Exciting key speakers will give an insight into cutting edge tourism practices both locally and nationally and delegates will have the opportunity to network with other businesses and organisations.

In a highly competitive retail environment, Marks & Spencer are leading the way in their approach to staff recruitment, training and approach to customer service. The headline speaker, Ros Gardner, Former Head of Customer Services with M&S, will provide an insight into the approach that enables them to recruit, train and retain staff who put customer service above all else. For further information please contact: Liz Boyle or Elaine Sykes on 01292 673741 email liz.boyle@visitscotland.com.

BORDERS

The Borders network office gets Bronze SHAW Award
The Borders Network Office began the year with the achievement of the Bronze Award as part of the Scotland's Health at Work (SHAW) Scheme assessed in December 2005. Scotland's Health at Work is a National Award Programme (Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards) which rewards employers who demonstrate commitment to improving the health, and ultimately the performance, of their workforce.

The office has participated in raising money for Jeans for Genes, had healthy eating themed lunches and smoothie days, staff took part in Race for Life for Cancer Research, abseiled, cycled and walked in various locations in the Borders and supported one another through strong team work during sessions and workshops.

New Ways Keynote Speaker Seminars 2006
The "Connected Place" theme team of New Ways were delighted to welcome Malcolm Roughead, Director of Marketing for VisitScotland, to the Scottish Borders on Wednesday 1 February. Malcolm talked about successful branding, how it's done, how it's executed, and how its impact is measured. He then joined a panel of experts, with VisitScotland Borders network office Area Director Fiona Drane, to answer questions on successful branding.

Dates for the Diary
- 2006 Scottish Borders Information Exchange Day - Tuesday 7th March, Springwood Park, Kelso

- 2006 Scottish Borders Tourism Forum Meeting (replaces old SBTB AGM) - Tuesday 28th & Wednesday 29th November (2 locations)

DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY

Cold in the Earth
The VisitScotland Dumfries and Galloway network office launched a campaign based on an Ottakars' Crime book of the month Cold in the Earth by Aline Templeton.

In January 2006 Cold in the Earth was Ottakars' Crime book of the month and is one in a series of books set in the area with the second due out in May. The book follows DI Marjory Fleming of the Galloway Constabulary as she solves crimes within the area and describes Dumfries and Galloway as a 'tranquil corner of Scotland, bypassed by the busy world'.

20,000 celebratory bookmarks have been produced and distributed throughout Ottakars' 140 stores in the UK. Other activity includes press and PR with a press trip arranged for April with a UK and International focus, a competition to win a 3 day break in the area in conjunction with the 4-star Corsewall Lighthouse Hotel and creation of a mini web site. www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk/ottakars

New accommodation guide out for 2006
The Dumfries & Galloway accommodation guide for 2006 is out and feedback from visitors has been consistently positive as the D&G marketing team add new features to make it easy for visitors each year. "The layout of these brochures is fantastic - so easy to use the maps/references - everything is cross referenced - amazing!" David Hulton of Sheffield, via e-mail.

New features in the 2006 guide include themed touring itineraries highlighting gardens, wildlife, arts and crafts and romance; key facts and highlights to whet the appetite of new visitors plus a cross reference to the regions' larger self catering properties to make it easy for visitors planning family and friend get-togethers.

EDINBURGH AND LOTHIANS

ETAG Conference 2006 Your Conference - Our Future
9 March 2006, Murrayfield Stadium

East Lothian Walking Festival
The first East Lothian Walking Festival will take place over the weekend of 21 - 23 April. Eleven guided walks led by experienced local walk leaders will take walkers into the hills, coast and countryside of the county. Walks have been graded as Easy, Moderate or Strenuous and range from challenging hikes in the Lammermuirs to enjoyable coastal walks along the John Muir Way (East Lothian's section of the North Sea Trail). Transport will take walkers from Haddington to the start point of most walks and also collect them at the end of the walk. A traditional Ceilidh has been arranged on the Saturday night at Haddington Corn Exchange where visitors can enjoy local hospitality.

Businesses wishing to obtain a supply of brochures for their guests/customers should contact Andrew Ralton, Nortrail Development Officer, East Lothian Council, on 01620 827151, or email: walk@eastlothian.gov.uk There will also be an online version available.

New Year, New guide for Edinburgh & Lothians network office
The Scott Monument was the scene for the launch of the new 2006 Edinburgh & Lothians accommodation guide. A new element to the guide this year suggests itineraries to encourage visitors to get out and explore some of the area's highlights, from visitor attractions and watching local wildlife to shopping and eating out. Around 200,000 copies of the guide will help attract visitors to Edinburgh & Lothians from around the world and it will be available in 5 different languages (French, German, Dutch, Italian & Spanish).

Chairman's tour in Edinburgh and the Lothians
VisitScotland Chairman Peter Lederer will be in the area on 8 and 9 February to meet with businesses, councils and key stakeholders in the City of Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian. Included in his visit is a trip to Queen Margaret University College to meet with the Business faculty and students from the Hospitality and Tourism courses.

FIFE

Step back into the past
St Andrews Bay Golf Resort & Spa has launched a new genealogy package in conjunction with tour operator Scottish Ancestral Trail. The package offers guests the opportunity to take a step back into the past and explore the lives of their ancestors.
The resort will provide luxurious accommodation and facilities to ensure guests enjoy pure indulgence by night, while by day they can visit the towns and villages where their ancestors lived.

St Andrews Bay resident genealogist, Caroline Makein of 'Fife Rootsearch', will undertake research into family history for those guests who have not done this in advance of their visit.

First in Fife Golfpass Group
The First in Fife Golfpass for 2006 has been launched with golfers once again being able to experience some excellent courses in Fife at an amazing low price. Having doubled their sales in 2005, the eight Golfpass clubs - Aberdour, Balbirnie Park, Burntisland, Canmore, Dunfermline, Forrester Park, Kirkcaldy, and Thornton - are aiming to repeat that feat again in 2006.

First in Fife are also delighted to announce that they have secured even more accommodation partners, as well as funding support from VisitScotland's Challenge Fund, the Fife Tourism Development Fund Small Grants Scheme, and Scottish Enterprise Fife.

Lang Toun turns into the Love Toun
The Art of Love is Kirkcaldy's celebration of all things romantic.

Between 21 January and 24 February, a broad range of exciting and romantic events will be taking place around the town, turning the Lang Toun into the Love Toun! The Art of Love is an opportunity to celebrate the season of romance at a series of events designed to appeal to all age groups. This series of events is presented by Fife Council, The Adam Smith College, Kirkcaldy Town Centre Management, Community organisations, shops and businesses.

VisitScotland Fife Golf guide 2006/2007 now available
The VisitScotland Fife golf guide has arrived and is now available by request.

Produced jointly between VisitScotland Fife and VisitScotland Perthshire the guide, with a print run of 40,000, will provide information on all 47 golf courses across Fife. Also included in the guide will be a list of golf tour operators and a 'dates for your diary' section which will provide details on the highlights of the golfing calendar in Fife.

Also available in the guide will be the Great Value Golf section which focuses on the numerous innovative promotions and great value tuition packages which are now available throughout Fife, including the First in Fife Golf Pass and Links with history.

GLASGOW & CLYDE VALLEY

Service in the City Conference 2006
Tuesday 14 March, Radisson SAS Glasgow

To assist tourism businesses to raise standards and prosper in line with the increasing demands of their customers, Scottish Enterprise is hosting its fifth Service in the City Conference.

It will present a range of outstanding speakers, well recognised for their successes and achievements. They will share some of the secrets of these successes - their strategies to 'raise the bar' year on year, and practical examples of how they make service work for them.

Speakers come from a wide range of award-winning businesses both large and small, city and rural, including Four Seasons Hotel Boston, Beamish Museum, The Grove Hotel, Hertfordshire, and Lucy's of Ambleside. Alan Coppin, leading service management consultant, and former Chief Executive of The Historic Royal Palaces, will also speak at the event.

The event will be chaired by journalist and broadcaster Alison Craig.

Cost: £75 & VAT. To book places contact Katharine at Starkevents on 0141 357 2235 or at katharine@starkeventsuk.com

You can also book here online

Business Tourism Workshops
February - March 2006

Only a few places remain for the current series of Scottish Enterprise Business Tourism Workshops. Following on from the highly successful Business Tourism Conference in October 2005, these events will provide tailored practical tips which you can implement in your business, helping you to benefit from the lucrative yet demanding conference & meetings market.

Don't miss the unique opportunity to join the Familiarisation Visit to the award-winning Edinburgh International Conference Centre on 9 March, to hear how the use of the latest technology is a key component of this venue's strategy for success, both from a marketing and an operations perspective. A venue showround and lunch is included. Cost: £20 & VAT.

Also featured on the programme are workshops delivered by business tourism specialist Peter Rand, on the topics of Sales Proposals and The Venue Contract. Please note that The Successful Showround workshop is now sold out.

For further information and a booking form, visit www.visitscotland.org or contact Katharine at Starkevents on 0141 357 2235 or at katharine@starkeventsuk.com

HIGHLANDS

Meet your Business Relationship Manager
Following on from the roadshows that took place throughout the Highlands in December, our Business Relationship Managers (BRMs) have now embarked on a series of surgeries at TICs (Tourist Information Centres) and other locations around the region. These surgeries will be held on a monthly basis, in the same locations, on the same day and at the same time (with the exception of July and August).

Your feedback during December's roadshows told us that you wanted to see us more regularly, so please look out in the local press for times and venues and we look forward to meeting you again soon.

VisitScotland Challenge Fund
With the Highlands leading Scotland in successful applications to VisitScotland's Challenge Fund, please be reminded that the next deadline for applications is Tuesday 28 February.

The fund is available for well-researched, new, collaborative marketing projects from groups of tourism businesses that have a strong customer focus and that operate at either local or national level. Funds from £2,500 to £50,000 can be awarded to groups of three or more tourism businesses for up to 40% of the project's total expenditure.

To date over 60% of applications to VisitScotland's challenge fund have been successful and it is expected this figure will rise.

For further information or guidance on how to complete a successful application, please contact Robin Murray, Business Relationship and Marketing Manager on 01997 423027 or e-mail robin.murray@visitscotland.com

Are you interested in influencing the future of tourism in the Highlands?

The Area Tourism Partnership (ATP) in the Highlands is seeking input to a new strategy for tourism in the Highlands for the next three years (June 2006 to 2009). This strategy, to be called the Area Tourism Partnership Plan, will build on the emerging national tourism strategy (A Tourism Framework for Change - view draft online. The Plan, which is being developed by a steering group led by VisitScotland Highland, will highlight the key priorities for those involved in tourism in the Highlands.

Tourism is everybody's business, and unless we continue to grow tourism in the Highlands, we will lose it to the competition. To do this, we need input from everyone involved in tourism in the Highlands.

Your comments would be greatly appreciated.

This link www.snedecon.co.uk/docs/snatpweb2.htm will take you to a questionnaire which will allow you to record your views on what are the most important issues for tourism in the Highlands in the next few years. Your response will be treated in confidence and used solely for the purposes of this consultation.

Please submit your response by 24 March 2006.

An update including results of this consultation will appear on this site in April.

Area Tourism Partnership, Highlands
The Area Tourism Partnership (ATP) in the Highlands includes representatives from: the tourism industry (via the local tourism fora); Highland Council (elected members and officers); Highlands & Islands Enterprise and Local Enterprise Companies; VisitScotland; Forestry Commission; Cairngorms National Park Authority; Scottish Natural Heritage; and HiTrans.

Tourism and the environment
Go green, save money, look after the environment
Free workshop: Thursday 2 March 2006, Inverness

With energy prices higher than ever, now is the time to look at alternatives and benefit the environment at the same time. Hear the nitty-gritty details from suppliers/installers of solar panels, biomass systems and ground source heat pumps. There will also be a session on how to save both energy and money with conventionally fuelled heating systems.

Networking opportunity over lunch. No charge. 10.30 am to 15.00pm. Come along to all or some of the sessions. All welcome. Venue in Inverness to be confirmed. Please contact Caroline Eccles at the Tourism and Environment Forum for details. Email caroline.eccles@visitscotland.com Telephone 01463 723059.

Talisker Star Trek
Legendary explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, and latest sensation in the world of adventuring, Tom Avery, head to Skye in May to join others in a bid to raise enough money for the Woodland Trust Charity to plant a quarter of a million new trees over the next three years. In a joint event run by Talisker Distillery and the Woodland Trust, the Talisker Trek will attract up to 200 people, competing in teams over a period of 2 days (5 - 7 May). For further information, log on to www.taliskertrek.co.uk

A special offer from McEwans of Perth
Independent department store McEwans of Perth, Church Street, Inverness are offering B&Bs, guest houses, hotels and self-catering businesses a 10% reduction on all orders over £150.

E-mail:Mcewans-inverness@supanet.com Telephone 01463 233316

OUTER HEBRIDES

It's been a busy January!
The team from Stornoway has been here, there and everywhere to promote the Outer Hebrides during January.

During the first weekend of the year, it was off to the Bon Accord Centre in Aberdeen where they set up an exhibition to promote the new Aberdeen to Stornoway air route introduced by Eastern Airways. Next it was to Celtic Connections in Glasgow - always a good venue - followed closely by another exhibition at the Gyle Shopping Centre in Edinburgh. A huge number of miles, clocked up by a very small team at a critical time of year for tourism, ie when people are thinking about their holidays during the year.

The next major exhibition will be at The Outdoors Show in Birmingham from the 17th to 19th March. And, of course, it doesn't stop there. The brochure promoting the Outer Hebrides in 2006 will feature at international exhibitions in Oslo, Prague, Moscow and Toronto to name just a few.

VisitScotland Challenge Fund
Having had two successful applications to VisitScotland's Challenge Fund in the Outer Hebrides, please be reminded that the next deadline for applications is Tuesday 28 February.

The fund is available for well-researched, new, collaborative marketing projects from groups of tourism businesses that have a strong customer focus and that operate at either local or national level. Funds from £2,500 to £50,000 can be awarded to groups of three or more tourism businesses for up to 40% of the project's total expenditure. To date, over 60% of applications to VisitScotland's challenge fund have been successful and it is expected this figure will rise.

For further information or guidance on how to complete a successful application, please contact Alan MacKenzie on 01851 701818 or e-mail alan.mackenzie@visitscotland.com.

Advertising opportunity

VisitScotland offers you the opportunity to advertise your business on www.visithebrides.com.

This form of advertising gives you a listing on a page relevant to your organisation in the form of a photograph, contact details, service details and prices, together with a link to your website. An email link is also included. The cost of advertising is £58.75 inclusive of VAT and runs annually from April to March.

Please contact the team at VisitScotland in Stornoway on 01851 701818.

PERTH

Tourism Conference set to unite businesses
The Perthshire Tourism Partnership will hold its first tourism conference for tourism stakeholders in the region with key speakers including VisitScotland's Chief Executive Philip Riddle.

The Partnership consists of a cross section of public and private sector partners. The group's remit is to develop a new action-orientated tourism strategy for the area, monitor the performance of tourism in Perth & Kinross and act as a forum for the exchange and dissemination of experience, knowledge and best practice.

Recommendation cards
VisitScotland Perthshire is now piloting visitor recommendation cards in the TICs following I&S research which stated that visitors like to receive personal recommendations about places of interest including places to visit, eat and walk. The pilot will encourage locals to take a few minutes to jot down their favourite experiences and then post them in the TICs for other visitors to read.

Golf Success
Perthshire Highland Golf Ticket (9 hole courses) and Perthshire Green Card Ticket (18 hole courses) have seen a rise of 12% and 17% respectively on 2004 figures making 2005 the best year to date for sale of Perthshire golf passes. The three round tickets have been especially successful with many groups, societies, couples and individuals all endorsing the golf courses and packages offered.

SHETLAND AND ORKNEY

Orkney group to hold tourism workshop event
The Orkney Tourism Group is holding an industry workshop in Kirkwall's Pickaquoy Centre on 15 February. The workshop, sponsored by Orkney Enterprise and Orkney Islands Council, will give tourism businesses the chance to share ideas, discuss future priorities for the industry, and hear from a number of guest speakers including VisitScotland's director of strategy, partnerships and communication Riddell Graham.

For more information contact 01856 811360 or email: info@orkneytourism.com

Shetland promotes race at London Boat Show
Area Director Andy Steven, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and Shetland Islands Councillor Eddie Knight were all at the annual London Boat Show to promote VisitShetland's sponsorship of this year's Round Britain and Ireland Race.

The Shetland Round Britain and Ireland Race will begin in Plymouth on 11 June, with competitors expected to be in Lerwick between 21-28 June.

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VisitScotland is delighted once again to be sponsoring the Tourism of the Year Award in the National Business Awards Scotland Programme 2006. Recognising success, innovation and ethics across all market sectors, the National Business Awards is one of the most prestigious business award schemes in Scotland.

The judges of the VisitScotland Tourism Business of the Year Award will be looking for the company that has shown initiative and innovation in combining its commercial needs with those of its customers. In recognition of the growing importance of the tourism sector, businesses entering the Tourism Business of the Year Award also have the option to enter an additional category at no additional charge. This will allow tourism businesses to demonstrate their skills across a whole range of competencies, including entrepreneurship, environmental awareness, innovation, technology, customer focus and investment in people.

The Awards are now open for entries, with a deadline of noon on 25 May 2006. To enter, log onto www.businessawardsforscotland.com or contact the Entries team on 0141 548 144.

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Ancestral Tourism Workshops
The Ancestral Tourism Initiative is arranging a series of four workshops across Scotland, aimed at sharing best practice and encouraging networking amongst the ancestral tourism community.

These FREE workshops will feature a range of stimulating speakers, providing you with top tips on how your business can benefit from the growing ancestral market to Scotland, as well as case studies from businesses and organisations involved in the ancestral sector.

Speakers will talk on subjects such as the latest research on the ancestral tourism market, marketing your business through VisitScotland's Ancestral Scotland campaign, the General Register Office of Scotland (GROS), and the new Scottish Family History Service, as well as working with the Press - top tips for maximising media coverage for your business and how to make the most of business opportunities available throughout Highland 2007 amongst others. Please note, not all topics will be covered at each workshop.

Dates:
Tuesday 7 March, MacKay's Hotel, Wick
Wednesday 15 March, Verdant Work, Dundee
Thursday 16 March, New Lanark
Monday 20 March, An Lanntair, Stornoway

To register your interest in attending, please email Project Manager Gillian Harrower at gillian@tals.co.uk as soon as possible, with the name(s) of those who would like to attend and full company/contact details. Priority will be given to businesses actively operating in the ancestral tourism sector.

Fully-Booked Workshops
From Scottish Enterprise, for Business Owners and Managers from small to medium sized tourism businesses: attendees will develop new skills, identify target markets, benefit from collaboration and be inspired by a marketing expert. Full details of course content and remaining dates and venues can be found here on ScotExchange.

The Right Staff Workshops
Scottish Enterprise and Springboard Scotland are launching The Right Staff handbook and running a series of workshops devised to help you get - and keep - the right staff. Whether hotel, guest house or B&B, restaurant, bar or visitor attraction, if your business employs full or part time staff within the tourism or hospitality sector, this one day workshop is for you. Full details of course content, dates and industry feedback can be found here on ScotExchange

Tourism Masterclasses at Gleneagles
These Scottish Enterprise events are always extremely well attended. There is only one event left on 23 March.
Full details here on ScotExchange

VisitBritain Youth Tourism Conference 2006
Thursday 16th March, London

The VisitBritain Youth Tourism Conference is back for its 3rd successive year to focus on the fast-growing, fast-moving inbound youth travel market - and you're invited. Benefit from cutting-edge market insights, inspiring ideas from leading industry speakers, BETA B2B appointments and evening networking, care of Bateaux London.

Click on this invitation link to find out more: Youth Tourism Conference Invitation

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VisitScotland's Business Tourism Unit (BTU): Customer Satisfaction research
Research was conducted in autumn 2005 to track customer satisfaction with the service offered by BTU and perceptions of Scotland as a business destination. The study was commissioned by independent research agency Quaestor Research and revealed that satisfaction with the BTU remains high. More information on this research can be found on Scotexchange

Open Championship Drives Economy
Golf's oldest and most prestigious tournament, the Open Championship, was worth more than £72 million to Scotland this year, according to a comprehensive economic study. The study was one of the most comprehensive ever undertaken in UK sport. The 2005 Open was at St Andrews in Fife, the home of golf, and it will be played at Carnoustie, Angus, in 2007 and Turnberry, Ayrshire, in 2009.

The Open's value is calculated through £40 million worth of worldwide television exposure for the host country, and £32.3 million of new money for the Scottish economy from spending by spectators, the media, players, and tournament organisers the R&A.

Earlier this year, four Executive agencies - Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Development International, EventScotland, and VisitScotland - committed a total of £600,000 over three years to the Open Championship to promote Scotland as the Home of Golf.

The study was commissioned and jointly funded by the R&A and Scottish Enterprise. It was carried out by Comperio Research, the research arm of leading marketing and media group, IMG.

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Eastern European Markets
Eastern European markets are increasing in importance. VisitScotland is working very closely with VisitBritain across all of the markets. Key markets identified are Russia, Czech Republic and Poland. Hungary is a secondary market, and others fall farther down in priority.

Poland
- Poland is the most important Eastern European market for Scotland in terms of visitor numbers and spend, with 40,000 visits in 2004 and spending amounting to £20m. This is an increase of 222% on trips and 400% on expenditure from the previous year. Caution needs to be applied to the sample sizes, but this is still the 10th largest market for Scotland.

- VisitScotland attended TT Warsaw from 22-24 September for the first time. This is undoubtedly Poland's largest holiday and trade fair which attracted 40,000 visitors last year.

Russia
- Russia is third in terms of visits with 22,000 visits but second place in terms of spend with £16m. It is a slightly different market in that there is a luxury segment to it.

- VisitScotland has attended the MITT tourist fair in Moscow for the past two years. In 2005, the exhibition attracted approximately 98,000 visitors.

- In 2005, we produced our first brochure on Scotland in Russian. Following research, it was found that English is less widely spoken in Poland for example. We are in the process of recruiting a Russian Marketing Executive to look after the Russian market.

Czech Republic
- Czech Republic is second in terms of visits with 26,000 in 2004 and fourth place with spend at £13m.

- However, with two direct flights, Edinburgh to Prague (Czech Airlines) and Glasgow to Prague (flyglobespan), this increases the opportunity.

- VisitScotland will be attending Holiday World for the first time which is the largest travel trade fair in the Czech Republic.

- We have worked closely with Czech Airlines over the last two years and we have welcomed 20 of the top tour operators and travel trade press to attend VisitScotland Expo

Hungary
-While this market is showing increased visitors for the UK and Scotland, the markets have to prioritise as Hungary is not showing as much potential as the other Eastern European markets. It is bottom in terms of both visits at 17,000 and spend stands at only £4m.

- Nevertheless, a close eye is being kept on the ever changing trends and consideration will be given for the Hungarian market for future planning.

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Grodactylus Salaris and Angling Tourism
Gryrodactylus salaries is a parasite which infects the skin, gills and fins of salmon, trout and other types of fresh water fish. This parasite has been responsible for the destruction of salmon stocks in the fjords and rivers of Norway. It is very important that we keep this parasite out of Scotland as the impact on angling and tourism in certain areas would be devastating. Therefore, VisitScotland is supporting Scottish Executive's communications programme to raise the profile of this parasite amongst anglers and tourism businesses.

For further information and practical advice about Gryrodactylus Salaris, please link to www.scotland.gov.uk

Guesthouse wins business accolade
A family-run guesthouse has won a major business award for its excellence in catering for disabled tourists.

Ardgarth Guest House in Edinburgh has become the fourth overall winner of the annual Leonard Cheshire Scotland Business Award, presented in association with Edinburgh law firm, Gillespie Macandrew W.S. The award is designed to recognise businesses in Scotland that are doing the most to promote inclusion and equality for disabled employees and customers.

Latest estimates indicate that there are one million disabled people in Scotland alone, with an annual spending power of £5 billion. However, a recent report from Leonard Cheshire, which surveyed thirty hotels across nine groups in the UK, showed that for many in the hospitality industry, disabled access is far from a priority. Even those which claimed to be accessible, had a long way to go in providing a satisfactory service for disabled people.

Back the Bid
Back Scotland's bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow by registering your support at www.glasgow2014.com

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