An Inspiration

Business Strategy and Performance
08 December 2012

That was the feedback from on attending the recent Developing Your International Tourism Markets programme, which has been run by Upper Quartile in Edinburgh, St Andrews and Inverness over October and November. The programme is part of the ESF supported Smart Exporter programme of Preparing to Export courses designed specifically for tourism companies in Scotland.

 

 The programme is delivered by David Gass and Maureen Liddell of Upper Quartile and targeted at tourism businesses looking to grow their international visitor business. Each programme provided an understanding of researching the different tourist markets and matching the opportunities to each company. VisitScotland also provided an update on the market information available, and each course tied in with the local destination marketing strategy for the area, whether St Andrews World Class, or Edinburgh Tourism Action Group. The participants also learned about working effectively with the travel trade, and other routes to market, and of course the growing importance of social media to the sector in terms of how visitors choose and book accommodation and attractions, and also rate their stay or experience on Tripadvisor and other social networks.

 

At the end of each programme, each participant is also provided with support to create their own individual action plan on how they will develop their international business, and further sources of support and information.

 

"Really enjoyed the course content and networking" (Blown Away Experiences);

 

"Great course for having ideas and broadening ideas" (Vacation Rentals);

 

"Found it very helpful and motivating. Gave me great focus and the confidence to put our plans into action" (Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

 

Was just some of the feedback on the programme from delegates; with further courses planned in 2013.

 

For more information on the Smart Exporter preparing to Export programme, contact .