New destination group is set up to promote Mull and Iona
AN EXCITING organisation is taking shape on Mull and Iona determined to promote the islands as the top rural destination in Scotland.
Colin Morrison, the chairman of Marketing Mull and Iona, wants the islands to show off their world- class visitor experience through high quality advertising and lobbying on behalf of tourism businesses.
The new company replaces Holiday Mull and Iona as the area destination marketing group.
Marketing Mull and Iona is an alliance of large and small businesses that will work above and beyond the existing marketing and promotional activities carried out by individuals, businesses and other groups on the islands.
The group has appointed a marketing officer, islander Lara Van De Peer, to meet its aim of delivering high quality and impactful PR and advertising initiatives, promoting existing events on the islands and facilitating while promoting and developing a high quality, content-rich and engaging website to promote the islands and inform visitors.
The board of directors hails from across the islands and across sectors bringing into the community interest company a broad spectrum of knowledge and experience.
Director Mr Morrison said: ‘Holiday Mull and Iona has been hugely important over the years in its role co- ordinating and enhancing the tourism marketing effort on Mull and Iona.
‘We hope to continue to add to the good work already undertaken by Holiday Mull and Iona over the years, bringing new ideas, initiatives and approaches to ensure our islands continue to be promoted as the unique, world- class attraction they are.
‘ We are currently working with our web developer to put together a modern, up-to- date website and it should be fully functional by March.
‘Also in the pipeline are a number of initiatives, including various collaborations, a virtual Coastal Trail, renewal of some existing signage on the island and the development of content for social media.’
The group also plans to explore ways to enhance the reputation and reach of Mull and Iona as a brand across others sectors – for example, food and drink – and provide a forum for business networking and a focus for collaboration.