Moray placed to become 'destination of choice' for post-Covid travellers
Several tourism businesses from Moray will be linking up with global tour operators and travel agents in an online event later this month.
The move is part of VisitScotland’s attempts to attract visitors and help rebuild the country’s tourism industry following the pandemic.
Scotland Reconnect 2021, from April 27-29, is set to attract 330 buyers from 26 different countries, including the USA, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Holland, Australia and Brazil.
Also attending will be London-based operators representing the Japanese and Chinese markets.
Tourism businesses from Moray Speyside signed up to the same event include the Seafield Arms Hotel in Cullen as well as Blervie House, the five-star B&B at Rafford.
Sheena Thompson, from Blervie House, said: "Scotland Reconnect 2021 presents a first-class opportunity to make both new connections and reconnections all over the world.
"This is a unique opportunity to showcase Blervie House and all that Scotland has to offer visitors keen to start travelling again.
"The chance to answer questions and concerns from international buyers is essential for all concerned.
"The amount of interest from new buyers is phenomenal and a busy three days are planned."
Inbound passenger numbers to the UK in July last year were just 1.3 million last year, compared to nearly ten times as many (11.1 million arrivals) in 2019.
Laurie Piper, chief executive of Visit Moray Speyside, stated that Scotland Reconnect offers the perfect platform to showcase the region.
He said: "Similar events over the past few months have proved that there is huge demand for our region from the travel trade and an appetite to discover and experience another side of Scotland, off the beaten track and away from the honeypots.
"Moray Speyside is uniquely placed to be the destination of choice for a new generation of post-Covid travellers."
The upcoming Scotland Reconnect event is the second of its kind, following another in November.
Jo Robinson, VisitScotland's regional director, said: "The last 12 months have been extremely challenging for everyone but we had a strong regional turnout to the inaugural event and feedback was very positive.
"Demand is building around the world and Moray Speyside tourism businesses are ready to offer a warm welcome back to our international visitors when the time is right.
"Scottish tourism punches above its weight on the world stage.
"We need to leverage this reputation to bring new investment, new events, new airlines and new visitors once visitors can travel freely again."