Pictured: Eilean Donan Castle on Loch Duich at Dornie © VisitScotland Kenny Lam.
28 Scottish businesses joined VisitScotland at the world’s leading travel trade show, ITB Berlin, which took place online for the first time.
Part of the overall VisitBritain delegation at ITB Berlin NOW, the representatives of the Scottish tourism industry were able to connect and engage with travel agents and tour operators from around the world, to promote their products, services and experiences.
Organisers say 65,700 users visited the online platform over the 5 days of the event held last month, with 3,513 exhibitors from 120 countries, while over 1,000 media and travel bloggers from 54 countries covered it.
A digital marketing campaign to raise awareness of the National Tourism Organisation and partners’ presence at ITB Berlin NOW using LinkedIn and Germany’s dedicated travel industry portals generated almost 900,000 digital views.
Virtual exhibiting at ITB Berlin NOW gave access to 1:1 video meetings, live chat and to the extensive ITB convention program.
VisitScotland hosted a press conference updating delegates on the focus for tourism reopening in Scotland with responsible tourism and a focus on tourism as a force for good at the heart of recovery planning.
The audience heard how the industry was working towards a safe return to operations with many businesses and operators signing up to the We’re Good to Go industry standard scheme with the international Safe Travels stamp from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) an addition for the new season.
Judy Mariëns, Sr. Market Manager Europe, VisitScotland, said:
“Although we don’t know exactly when non-essential international travel can resume, we continue to engage with our international partners on a ‘dream now, travel later’ basis so that, when the situation allows, we can move quickly to take advantage of any opportunities.
“VisitScotland is continuing to work with businesses and organisations across the country to ensure this vital part of Scotland’s economy is ready and in the best possible position to welcome international visitors back when it is safe to do so.”
For further information of VisitScotland’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic please click here.
