Seven businesses from Loch Lomond were among those that engaged in more than 7,000 meetings with global travel representatives.

During the event in Aberdeen, the firms attended the VisitScotland Connect 2024 convention aimed at growing the country’s share of global travel in a sustainable way

The total amount of meetings held across the event was 1,000 more than in 2023, with 222 trade-ready Scottish tourism businesses, including accommodations, visitor experiences, and attractions attending.

This is an increase of 27 percent from the previous year.

These meetings facilitated connections with nearly 260 travel intermediaries from 23 countries, including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the UK.

The talks will help tailor Scotland's holiday offerings to fit the modern traveller's needs.

Among those attending from the region this year were Argyll & Isles Tourism Cooperative, Bowmore Distillery and Cottages (Beam Suntory), Laphroaig Distillery (Beam Suntory) Carradales, West Coast Tours, Luss Estates and Cruise Loch Lomond. 

David Adams McGilp, regional director of VisitScotland, said: "I’m very grateful our tourism businesses from Argyll & Isles did an amazing job of showcasing our beautiful region and its tourism opportunities to a worldwide audience.

"Our visitors – both international and domestic – are vital for the sustainable growth of the visitor economy in here in Argyll & Isles - staying longer and spending more money in our local communities."

Katja Maki-Komsi, of Highland Explorer Tours, said: “VisitScotland Connect will help finding more international visitors who are looking to experience Scotland as a country, finding people who are both looking for jumping on pre-made tours that we already have from day tours to multi- tourist but also people who are wanting a more boutique experience as well, especially for example reaching into the Asian market.” 

The next VisitScotland Connect event will be on April 9 and 10, 2025.