Visitors fall for the Highlands this autumn

Issued by VisitScotland

Autumnal short breaks and holidays in the Highlands are being promoted as part of the national tourism organisation’s latest seasonal push.

A promotional destination teaser entitled Explore Scotland - We’ll point you in the right direction has been developed in partnership with Highland Council.  It highlights the area’s natural beauty, offering ideas of things to see and do, and is being sent to 89,000 homes, targeting people who live in Scotland and Northern England.

History and heritage, high quality food and drink - with a focus on local produce - are also mentioned in the colourful insert, which is part of VisitScotland’s Surprise Yourself campaign. The promotion also features the regions unique culture and, in the run-up to The Year of Natural Scotland in 2013, focuses on wildlife-watching and the natural environment.

The area has a number of key attractions for visitors, including the range of activities such as mountain biking, walking and skiing, the high quality food and drink produced across the region, and the variety of events taking place throughout autumn and winter.

The VisitScotland promotion encourages people to order a destination guide, search for more information on www.visitscotland.com/explore and choose from the special offers now available. A print media, advertising and radio campaign pushing people to visit the Highlands is also underway.

Councillor Thomas Prag, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Planning, Environment and Development Committee welcomed the start of Visitscotland’s Autumn 2012 campaign. He said: “We know how much it matters to spread our tourism business across the year so we are keen to support additional marketing activity that promotes the Highlands as a place to visit this autumn and winter. These campaigns have been effective for us in the past and we want to do all we can to give an end of season boost after a tricky summer.

“With fantastic autumn colours, autumn wildlife viewing, the UK’s best opportunities for winter activities, and of course our traditional warm Highland welcome there’s no better place to enjoy an autumn or winter break than the Highlands.”

Scott Armstrong, Regional Director for VisitScotland, said: “Autumn is a fantastic time to visit the Highlands and see it in all its seasonal, natural beauty.

“Our region provides a stunning escape - whether for an autumnal short break or holiday. The area has an array of creative opportunities, outdoor activities for all and an abundance of historical sites, not only for local visitors but also those from further afield.

“Our latest campaign will show off the area’s best assets, encouraging people to find out more information and book a break in one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland.”

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