The Oban Times

Lochaber Tourism Day with CalMac Debate, Engage, Network

-

Lochaber is a key area for us as it’s a gateway to many of the islands we serve. Peter Griffiths Marketing Manager of Caledonian MacBrayne

Lochaber Chamber of Commerce is inviting tourism related businesses throughout Lochaber - The Outdoor Capital of the UK - and further afield, to attend ’Tourism Day’, in partnershi­p with Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries, at The Moorings Hotel, Banavie, on Thursday 16 November, as part of Lochaber Ideas Week 2017.

Lochaber ideas Week is a celebratio­n of business, education and community through a gathering of exceptiona­l talks, workshops, competitio­ns, discussion and networking opportunit­ies from 13 - 17 October.

The Ideas Week Tourism Day will give delegates the exciting opportunit­y to join some of the most powerful voices in Scotland’s tourism industry and take part in a number of presentati­ons, debates and discussion­s surroundin­g the future of tourism in Fort William and Lochaber - The Outdoor Capital of the UK.

Peter Griffiths, Marketing Manager of Caledonian MacBrayne said “Lochaber is a key area for us as it’s a gateway to many of the islands we serve. Visitors travelling to Skye, the Outer Hebrides and the Small Isles can all enjoy the Lochaber area and hopefully stop in at the UK’s outdoor capital. Lochaber ideas Week will see us share best practice on travel and tourism, which will in turn ensure an even better experience for visitors.”

One of the highlights of the morning session will be a panel discussion titled ‘The Future of Digital Tourism’, with representa­tives from CalMac Ferries, Expedia, Booking.com and VisitScotl­and and chaired by Marc Crothall, Chief Executive of the Scottish Tourism Alliance. The afternoon session will feature another panel discussion, this time supported by the Highland LEADER Programme, on how local businesses can better engage with the growing cruise market in the Outdoor Capital of the UK in order to maximise the potential of this market.

At a special industry showcase delegates will also be able to network with tourism activity businesses based in Lochaber; and to finish the day off in style there will be an evening networking event tasting a selection of top class whiskies and gins from around Scotland.

Chris O’Brien, Lochaber’s Destinatio­n Manager at Lochaber Chamber of Commerce, said: “Ideas Week is a fantastic opportunit­y for businesses from Lochaber and beyond to exchange thoughts, network and gain new business! Over the years a number of companies have formed extremely profitable relationsh­ips as well as presenting themselves to an engaged audience of keen Lochaber entrepeneu­rs!” Lochaber Ideas Week is a catalyst to stimulate fresh initiative­s and ventures, creating new connection­s and points of collaborat­ion designed to enhance Fort William and Lochaber, The Outdoor Capital of the UK, as a fantastic place in which to live, work and visit. Ideas Week 2017 is sponsored by Nevis Range, hosted by The Moorings Hotel and powered by No Fuss Events. To find out what else is going on during Lochaber Ideas Week 2017 go to www.lochaberch­amber.co.uk

To register for tickets (free) for Lochaber Ideas Week Tourism Day go to Eventbrite!

 ??  ?? MV Lochnevis at Mallaig
MV Lochnevis at Mallaig

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom