Profile of Borders businesses raised on the international stage

Jacksons at Jedburgh offers a glimpse of farming life with a visitor attraction at Kersheugh Farm.

Kelso-based Beirhope Alpacas is a unique outdoor experience, from alpaca trekking in the Cheviot Hills to off-grid eco camping.

Both businesses took part in two-day appointment-based workshops, called business development missions (BDMs), where they met with representatives from destination management companies and tour operators for China and East Asia, and North America and Australia, whose job it is to create travel packages and experiences for leisure clients.

The events, which included an evening networking reception at Scotland House, were sponsored by Ian Macleod Distillers and Scotland’s Tay Country and aimed to help the businesses build travel contacts in those markets to help them reach new visitors.

It is important for Scottish businesses to work closely with these travel professionals as, according to visitor research, 67 per cent of long-haul visitors to Scotland use a travel intermediary to book accommodation while 63 per cent book their activities and experiences in advance of their trip.

Organised by the national tourism organisation, the events are part of VisitScotland’s low-cost business development programme, helping businesses engage with destination management companies, and tour operators, at in-person events, without having to travel internationally.

Denise Hill, head of business development and intermediary marketing at VisitScotland, said: “These events are a key part of our international support for Scottish tourism businesses, helping them to develop trade-ready bookable products and experiences, and connecting them with international travel trade operators, without the need to travel to trade events overseas. 

“Being able to meet face-to-face with tour operators and destination management companies not only gives businesses an opportunity to promote their products and experiences, but allows them to get feedback on how to tailor their products for the market, and also build relationships for future business. 

“Our international markets have always been important due to the higher spend from visitors, and even more so now as the cost of living continues to impact domestic travel. These events are designed to help raise the profile of our regions on the global stage in a cost effective way, and build on our strong international recovery.”