NATIONAL PARK
Presentation by Carron Tobin
:
Minutes:
The Argyll and the Isles Tourism Cooperative is now
completely operational and brings the public and private sector together. The
Tourism Cooperative is supported and part funded by Visit Scotland.
At the start of the Cooperative, the local tourism businesses
were asked what they wanted from the partnership and one of the first issues
recognised by the Co-operative was the need for a joint umbrella brands so that
duplication was minimised and there was not a perception of competition between
brands. It was decided that the use of
the Joint Branding should be focused on specific events, and to this end, two
campaigns were arranged, one for Spring and one for Winter.
The Co-operatives Funding for the next three years has been
secured- with the members of each co-operative being the local marketing
groups. Cowal
is currently vacant.
Two complementary suites of leaflets have been produced, one
for geographical areas and one for activities, these were very successful at
EXPO Scotland the main logo below is a stylised version of the shape of the
islands and separates out into its component parts for more localised leaflet
production.
There is also a strong online presence which complements the
real world branding with the main website located at www.exploreargyll.co.uk which again links to more localised
sub-sites. Reflecting the focus on the
importance of the “ground up” approach, the website is promoting “explore like
a local” which is where a local resident with knowledge of specific attractions
is being asked to write a review.
The Current leaflet
suite can be obtained from any information offices, but can also be downloaded
from the site above. Amendments to leaflets can be made easily either by contacting
the local marketing group or by calling Carron directly.
A list of Contacts willing to promote the areas and their
specific attractions has been approved and circulated, and this has worked very
well and has been extremely well received by service users.
During the year it is hoped that there will be a pilot
project focusing on the Benmore trilogy for the big
trees. It is also hoped that there may be some scope here for working with the Ardkinglas and Benmore
gardens. It is likely that any grant funding
will be applied for by the Coast and Countryside Trust.
David Adams McGilp noted that the
industry landscape for the promotion of tourism has historically been a bit
cluttered- but Carron’s presentation shows that this has substantially improved
–there is still a visitor’s centre in the town which is of benefit and can act
as a focus point.
Argyll in general and Cowal in particular has suffered in
terms of population and economy - but Visit Scotland are now seeing economic
improvements which were first visible in Kintyre. Now that Visit Scotland are in contact with
the PA23 BID there may be scope for this to be developed further.
: