Tourism Webinars

Leading experts in tourism have been invited by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to deliver a series of free online masterclasses to help companies across the region to grow and improve their performance. The live internet presentations will bring together some of the best in tourism businesses who will share their insights and give practical tips on how to capitalise on Scotland’s tourism growth markets during the Year of Natural Scotland 2013. The first 45 minute presentation focuses on sailing and will be presented by Charmain Entwhistle, Isle of Skye Yachts, and Anne Gracie from the Duisdale Hotel, Isle of Skye at 9:30am on Wednesday 24 October. Evidence suggests that our landscape, scenery, islands, culture and heritage are a major factor in bringing people to Scotland. The series of online masterclasses – also known as webinars - will highlight what it all means for businesses looking to capitalise on this opportunity during 2013 and beyond. Sailing attracts large numbers of visitors and is becoming more accessible in terms of opportunities and costs. It has become so popular that in many areas the demand for berths and moorings is exceeding the capacity and the number of visitors keeps growing. The presentations will be full of practical hints, tips and ideas to help them make the most of the year-round opportunities for their businesses. The webinar series will be broadcasted live every Wednesday at 9:30am for the next eight weeks, each time presented by an expert in the tourism industry on a different subject. Those who register for the webinar will have the opportunity to ask questions beforehand with a view to having them discussed during the live presentations. Audrey Maclennan, Senior Tourism Manager at HIE, said: “Companies are being urged to take advantage of these opportunities for their businesses and are encouraged to take part in these webinars which will be full of practical tips. This is a great opportunity to learn more about how other businesses have successfully attracted more customers and improved their bottom line.” HIE is funding the series of webinars with support from Forestry Commission Scotland. Other in-kind support has been received from the Scottish Tourism Alliance, VisitScotland, Scottish Enterprise, Wild Scotland and SNH. To register for each event visit www.hie.co.uk/tourism-webinars Ends Sailing 24 October Mountain Biking 31 October Wildlife 7 November Golf 14 November Adventure 21 November Walking 28 November Food and Drink 5 December Technology 12 December