VIEW FROM THE CHAMBER

Tourism matters

Lochaber Chamber has been on the road this week engaging with tourism and hospitality businesses owners and operators as part of our annual tourism roadshow with tourism industry leaders.

With recovering travel markets both international and domestic, Lochaber has an excellent opportunity to reinforce its grandeur as the choice Highland destination for outdoor adventure, epic scenery, food and drink, and exceptional accommodation.

With the event calendar filling up fast, we’ll soon be kicking off the visitor season with the Scottish Six Days Trial and eagerly anticipating the World Cycling Championship Downhill in August, highlighting Fort William and wider Lochaber as a strong event destination and a place to be enjoyed by all, whatever your interests. Talking travel and markets, we have been hearing more about emerging trends for the season ahead and the return of strong demand for bed nights across Fort William, Glencoe, Mallaig, Ardnamurchan and more.

This is great news for operators and something that the chamber engages key stakeholders about to ensure that we have the bed stock and ongoing development ready to welcome visitors to our beautiful destination.

Key trends:

Our visitors are likely to have an increased focus on sustainable tourism.

A greater use of technology playing a significant role in the tourism industry, so your assets need to be up-to-date and relevant.

Rising “adventure tourism” searches.

An increase in domestic tourism. With costs of travel rising and international bookings showing strength, domestic tourism is likely to continue to be a popular choice for many people in the UK.

Recovery continues with significant interest in tourism. Get your listings and information up-to-date and available to be seen in the booking cycle to stand out from the competition.

Lochaber Chamber of Commerce is here to help with your destination questions and support you with access to information and key industry stakeholders.

Get in touch with us by emailing membership@ lochaberchamber.co.uk or call 01397 705765.