Last week Hazel (OCTO Manager) and Fidra (GTDC) represented OCTO at the 2019 Visit Scotland Expo. This event “offers the perfect opportunity for all companies within Scottish tourism to showcase their products and services to potential buyers from across the world.” With over 340 exhibiting companies and many more buyers, the expo is a vibrant networking opportunity.
Despite the colourful competition, our stand stood out thanks to the work of Destination Orkney who provided this opportunity. This umbrella organisation provides “over 500 businesses, individuals, and other bodies with an interest in the successful and sustainable development, management and marketing of Orkney as a visitor destination.” Their design of the stand showed Orkney’s many highlights. It also showed Orkney’s favourable location and transport options from the rest of Scotland.
Fidra states,“it was great to work alongside Elaine Tulloch (CEO), Gareth Chrichton (Chair), and Kathleen Hogarth (travel trade consultant). Their knowledge and passion for Orkney really shone through throughout the busy days. The stand they commissioned was frequently complemented by attendees who left with a great impression of Orkney.
As for OCTO, the range of vehicles available for hire were advertised and our individual tours were showcased as Orkney Heritage Tours. There was significant interest in both from representatives of travel agents amongst other sectors. OCTO’s profile has increased and this leads to hope for further developments in the future.
