TripAdvisor and VisitScotland deal ‘could bring 150m tourism boost’ – BBC News
Image copyright Getty Images Travel website TripAdvisor has struck a partnership deal with Scotland’s tourism agency which it is hoped could boost the Scottish economy by 150m.
Nicola Sturgeon confirmed the VisitScotland deal, a first for TripAdvisor in Europe, in New York.
Speaking on the final day of her visit to the US, the first minister said it would promote Scottish tourism to 70 million potential new visitors.
The two organisations will work on a joint marketing campaign in the UK.
Ms Sturgeon said: “Our tourism industry has always been strong – spending by North American visitors leapt by almost 28% to 633m in the last year alone.
“However, it’s crucial that we ensure Scotland’s appeal reaches as wide an audience as possible.
“This collaboration will ensure that millions more people will understand Scotland’s appeal, and boost Scotland’s tourism industry for years to come.
“The fact TripAdvisor has chosen Scotland as its first European partner shows just how resilient they believe Scotland’s economy to be – and the fact we were voted the second-best country in the world to visit by the Rough Guide means site visitors are guaranteed a good holiday.”
Charlie Smith, of VisitScotland, said: “TripAdvisor is the biggest tourism website in the world based on tourists’ real experiences.
“This partnership will give us the chance to learn from those at the forefront of innovation while inspiring millions of potential new visitors.
“This collaboration will help us put Scotland’s regions, cities and unique experiences on the world stage and to grow our tourism industry for future generations.”
