MULL AND IONA REPRESENTED AT INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL SHOW

11/03/03

For the first time ever, businesses in the tourism industry on Mull and Iona were promoting our islands at the annual travel show in the SECC in Glasgow in April.  Mull and Iona Chamber of Commerce and Holiday Mull shared the cost of over £1000.00 for a stand at the Visitscotland Expo 2003 (9^th and 10^th April) where 1000 professional tourist travel agents, tour operators, travel writers and journalists from all over the world were trying to learn about interesting places for their customers to visit. 

Our stand was very smart with big images of our stunning animals, cliffs and scenery and we had leaflets, cheese and whisky to hand out (the whisky went down very well!!)  Along with Abbie Kirsop from Craignure TIC, there were also in attendance Alan McConnochie and Sandy Brunton from the Chamber and Derek McAdam from Holiday Mull who all gave their time voluntarily.  Over 100 names and addresses were taken at the stand, of those businesses that were interested in specific details about our islands, and they are being followed up as you read.

Everyone at the show found it very hard work but the response from the visitors to the stand made it very worthwhile.  The stand was positioned next to the Mull Experience stand with Duart, Torosay and Mull Railway, and what is hoped is that we can build on this first years experience and repeat it every year.  What was very clear is that most of the other islands were very heavily represented including Skye, Arran, Orkney among others and we really must work together to make sure Mull and Iona is kept in these professionals minds when planning holidays for their customers.