Firm to help outdoor tourism

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has appointed a specialist marketing and business development firm to help run a new £250,000 scheme to boost adventure tourism in the north.

The Edinburgh-based Business and Tourism Solutions (BTS) will work with Lochaber Chamber of Commerce on the project.

HIE said the programme, believed to be the first of its kind, would provide “intensive engagement, support and intervention” for around 50 businesses and service providers across the Highland Council area.

It forms part of the Northern Innovation Hub (NIH), a project led by the development agency, which received

“The sector has significant potential for growth”

£11 million from the UK Government as part of the Inverness and Highland City Region Deal.

HIE NIH tourism development manager Seb Shingler said: “The Highland Council area has more adventure tourism-related businesses than any other Scottish local authority area. The sector also has significant potential for further growth, with most firms expecting more activity in the medium and longer term.

“That’s why tourism, particularly adventure tourism, is one of the key sectors covered by the NIH.

“We are very pleased to engage BTS. The company brings extensive experience in tourism and hospitality sector development. This will be combined with the Lochaber Chamber of Commerce’s regional knowledge and networks in one of Scotland’s leading areas for adventure tourism.”