Issue - meetings

Presentation by Carron Tobin

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.