Stronger partnership working across the tourism industry in Ayrshire and Arran is making a positive impact, according to the Regional Director of VisitScotland.
Insights from VisitScotland have found that coasts and countrysides remain popular choices for visitors looking to get away from the stress of the last 18 months.
VisitScotland had previously worked in partnership with the Ayrshire and Arran Destination Alliance to come up with a collective way forward to improve tourism.
Now VisitScotland Regional Director, Gordon Smith is keen for the whole of Ayrshire to continue to work together.
He said: “The new industry-led Destination Management and Marketing Organisation, the Ayrshire and Arran Destination Alliance, is the latest development contributing towards a more joined-up tourism proposition as the region looks to develop plans for recovery.
“Throughout 2020 and 2021 VisitScotland has been delivering marketing activity to a UK-wide audience, on behalf on East, North and South Ayrshire Councils. The campaign with online travel agent Expedia generated more than 2,800 room nights bookings, valued over £260,000”.
He continued: “Responsible tourism is a key priority so we have been working with communities and visitors, as well as linking up with local campaigns, to #RespectProtectEnjoy the wonderful natural assets in Ayrshire and Arran.
“With the easing of restrictions for international travel, engagement with global markets is a key priority and almost 200 people joined our recent industry webinar ‘Marketing Scotland Internationally’.
“Tourism and events are a force for good not just because of the economic aspect but because they enrich our lives socially and without them Ayrshire and Arran would be a much poorer place.”
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