A tourism toolkit has been launched by Inverness-based PR agency, Whale-like-fish, to help tourism businesses prepare to welcome visitors once more.
Launched on the day that Fergus Ewing MSP, Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Tourism, spoke to hundreds of tourism businesses from across the Highlands on a webinar organised by the Federation of Small Business (FSB), the toolkit is designed to help tourism businesses with their PR and marketing.
Speaking about the toolkit, Helen Ross co-founder of Whale-like-fish, said:
“As an agency named after the first reported sighting of the Loch Ness Monster, we want to see tourists back in the Highlands, lured by its beauty and yes, the chance that maybe they’ll catch a glimpse of our beloved Nessie.
“So, we’ve pulled together a tourism toolkit to help all kinds of businesses who rely on tourism, ensure they are in the best possible position to attract visitors.
“There is lots of practical advice and guidance out there on how to get your business Covid secure but once you’ve done that, you need to tell your potential customers.
“That’s where we can help.
“With our toolkit, tailored to each business whether it’s a tourist attraction or an accommodation provider, we can help businesses focus their communication so that they capitalise on the USPs of their business whether that’s vast open spaces, stunning scenery or the fact you have guaranteed parking.
“These things are as important as providing reassurance about the measures taken to get your business Covid secure and keep visitors safe.”
The agency believes that there are plenty of reasons for tourism businesses in the region to be optimistic based on research that has been published by VisitScotland on a weekly basis:
As a holiday destination, the Highlands is second only to Edinburgh between June and September but commands the number one spot from October onwards.
Outdoor areas (beaches, mountains, trails) are most likely to attract more visitors than normal – 52% of those intending to holiday in Scotland.
“The Highlands is still a hotspot and the opportunity to capitalise on the natural beauty of the region has never been greater, especially when you consider that many tourists will have spent months of lockdown in very urban areas,” concludes Helen.
Tourism businesses who would benefit from some assistance are encouraged to contact the agency which is pledging to deliver a tailored toolkit within three working days.
The toolkit features everything from a reopening press release, bespoke Q&A to include on a website and social media posts.
