Adventure tourism businesses in the Highlands are being offered help to grow as more people choose a staycation as lockdown eases.
Let’s Grow Adventure Tourism will offer specialist workshops, one-to-one expert advice and opportunities to collaborate, together with insights into Scotland’s tourism sector and how to reach markets via online platforms and travel trade and trade shows.
The programme is being run by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) in partnership with Business Tourism Solutions and Lochaber Chamber of Commerce.
It is aimed at activities such as mountain biking, white-water rafting, hillwalking, wild camping, foraging and cookery and businesses have until August 7 to register interest.
David Oxley, director of business growth at HIE, said: “We’ll work with businesses to maximise their potential.”
The support has been welcomed by Abacus Mountain Guides in Fort William, established in 2000 by Mike and Louise Pescod.
Mr Pescod said: “The support offered would have been incredibly useful when we were starting out, or at any point over the last 20 years.
“Even though we are an established business we’re applying as we’re looking to expand into Europe and Norway and offer Scots trekking holidays in these destinations.”
Wild Scotland, the organisation representing the wildlife, adventure and activity sector in Scotland, has backed the programme.
Chairman Douglas McAdam said: “Help to grow businesses in our sector could not come at a more crucial time.
“There are incredible opportunities ahead for our sector and it is imperative that we work quickly and collaboratively to ensure that tourism is rebuilt for the better and is stronger than ever.”
