Ready for Homecoming
The Government of Scotland, in association with VisitScotland and other partners will focus on educating the travel trade about new products and itineraries.
India is an important market and for the last three years, Scotland has received 19,000 Indian visitors annually. These are mainly leisure and visiting friends and relatives (VFRs). However, a small portion is contributed by MICE as well, Humza Yousaf, Minister for External Affairs and International Development, Scotland said. “We are looking at promoting St Andrews, Inverness (Gateway to Highland), Edinburgh, Glasgow and Loach in the Indian market. Since the theme of the year 2013 was Year of Natural Scotland, the travel trade was designing packages showcasing the natural aspects of Scotland.” The next year 2014 is dedicated to Homecoming.
Giving details about the programme, the Minister explained, “We will be hosting world- class events such as the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and Ryder Cup at Gleneagles. We have selected this time when Queen’s Baton Relay is commencing in India to generate awareness about these events.” According to Yousaf, the travel trade medium in India is indispensable. “In India, all our activities are focussed on B2B promotions. We are represented by VisitScotland and VisitBritain in India. Although nature, greenery, culture, landscape, self-drive tours and education tourism will be our focus, we are also looking at promoting whiskey and golf tours in India as well. Scotland has over 100 whiskey distilleries and is the home of golf,” he added.
In order to connect with the Indian travel trade, VisitScotland had started SCOTS ( Specialist Counsellors on Travel to Scotland) programme in 2007. Vineet Lal, International Marketing Manager—Long-Haul and Emerging Markets, Visit Scotland revealed India has the highest number of SCOTS agents (1,800) after the US.
The mission for promoting Homecoming 2014 visited Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. In Mumbai, the
India has the highest number of SCOTS agents (1,800) after the US
Yousaf also participated in the second ‘graduation ceremony’ of 50 travel agents.
We are looking at promoting Scottish highlights in the Indian market