November is the busiest time of the year for tourism industry events, surveys, awards ceremonies, and conferences, rounding off the year past and looking ahead to the one to come.
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Mini Bite – from Alistair Danter – 27th June 2022
In Alistair's Mini Bite below you'll find information on Alistair Danter's work as Project Manager for SkyeConnect.
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Officially we are in Summer but weather wise we don’t seem to be having the best of it just now. It’s a shame for the visitors who are flocking here in great numbers. VisitScotland’s sentiment tracker indicates that consumer confidence is growing and some key research can be found at https://bit.ly/3nfRDBD. This information is tempered by the latest HIE business panel research shown below.
Here’s what else has been occupying our time at SkyeConnect HQ.
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Member Spotlight - Hazelbank, 5 Upper Colbost
With amazing views across the loch to Dunvegan Castle and access to the hills behind from the garden, Hazelbank offers 3 modern en-suite rooms all with Super king beds. Two of the rooms are in the main house and have access to a separate guests lounge and breakfast room both with fantastic views. The third room is self contained and has its own private entrance. Continental breakfast is served for room 3. Full Scottish breakfast is included with a wide ranging continental buffet. Additional options include smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, porridge or a platter of Scottish meats and cheeses, your choice of tea, coffee or hot chocolate. Packed lunches can be arranged for an additional charge.
Short Term Let Legislation
SkyeConnect has teamed up with the ASSC and Highland Council to present an event designed to inform self-caterers and B&B operators about the new Short term lets legislation. This is a MUST ATTEND event for anyone in the sector. Attendance is free for fully paid-up ASSC and SkyeConnect members. Tickets are available through Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/regulations-roadshow-in-association-with-skyeconnect-tickets-362982710057
HIE Business Panel Research
The latest HIE business panel research is available at https://www.hie.co.uk/research-and-reports/businesspanel/ Business optimism is lower than the previous 6-month survey reflecting issues around employment, rising costs and general business uncertainty. 94% are very / fairly concerned about rising costs – Energy and fuel prices topping the list of concerns. 67% of businesses turnover is either the same or has grown in the last 6 months and 83% of employers have either managed to increase or are working with the same sized workforce as in the previous 6 month period.
Uig Ferry Terminal Closure
Discussions have started with Transport Scotland and the Uig Business community to identify some form of marketing support that could be used to offset losses this winter as a result of the 6-month closure of the Ferry terminal to commercial ferries.
Community Campervan service unit
Our contacts with Highland Council have revealed that grant support is available for communities providing campervan waste management services. In addition, Transport Scotland have approved a new official road sign for campervan waste management services. For further details contact Joiner@highland.gov.uk
Growth in Agritourism
In recent years, agritourism has become a growing travel trend with visitors seeking out authentic rural experiences that connect them to the countryside and Scotland’s natural larder. Scotland’s farms, crofts and estates are being invited to take part in the 2022 Scottish Agritourism Growth Tracker survey to help build a better understanding of what support is required to grow the country’s agritourism sector. The survey closes on 3 July. https://bit.ly/3OI7yUN
Sustainability
Developing sustainable businesses in the light of carbon reduction targets will be a key development for Destinations in the coming years. Those that are able to demonstrate credible green credentials will outcompete destinations that neglect to deal with the issue. Businesses can help significantly through green certification schemes. While these are a cost to the business, VisitScotland has negotiated some significant discounts for businesses considering certification under 3 schemes – Green Tourism, Earth check and Green check. Details can be found here https://bit.ly/3OnkGyU
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