Shetland on show at tourism expo

Tourism businesses from Shetland will be showcasing the very best the isles have to offer at this year’s VisitScotland expo – the national tourism organisation’s flagship travel trade event.

Over 250 Scottish tourism businesses will be exhibiting to hundreds of tour operators from around the world at the show, which takes place at Glasgow’s SECC on 2nd and 3rd April.

Now in its 35th year, the event provides an opportunity for face-to-face meetings with those who organise group trips to Scotland.

Apart from VisitScotland’s Shetland branch, Promote Shetland and Shetland Tourism Association will also be represented.

In addition to the trade show VisitScotland has organised a series of “familiarisation trips” for those visiting the show. The excursions, which take place throughout Scotland both before and after the event, allow tour operators to experience first-hand the kind of holidays they will be able to provide their customers.

The trips see a group of 10 operators visiting Shetland to enjoy attractions and locations including Quendale Mill, Jarlshof and Scalloway Castle.

VisitShetland manager Steve Mathieson said: “As Scotland welcomes the world this year, with the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, the Ryder Cup and the second Year of Homecoming, VisitScotland expo will be the perfect opportunity for exhibitors from Shetland to showcase their products and services to potential buyers from around the globe.

“VisitScotland expo provides local businesses with a fantastic opportunity to engage with tour operators and suppliers from all over the UK and overseas.

“It is crucial we work together to grow tourism and I am delighted to see this commitment from Shetland businesses.”