Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), in partnership with The Highland Council and other stakeholders, is undertaking research to develop a better understanding of the opportunities for business tourism in the Inner Moray Firth and surrounding areas.
In particular, the research will explore:
• Opportunities within the MICE sub-sector (Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conferences/Conventions and Events/Exhibitions), to help identify ways to extend the tourism season and promote year‐round opportunities.
• The potential for a centrally managed Conference Bureau (or similar) to attract business tourism to the area. For example, this could include coordination across the local supply chain, acting as a first point of contact for those looking to host meetings, sectoral engagement, support with venue finding, sourcing local suppliers, marketing and promotion, and more.
It is vitally important that this research is informed by the industry. Input is being sought from accommodation providers, venues and attractions across the region.
HIE has commissioned independent research agency EKOS to undertake this work, and the research team has developed a short survey to collect industry views and information.
The survey can be accessed here – Business Tourism Market Research Survey – and should take no more than 10–15 minutes to complete. The deadline for responses is Friday 29 August.
It is recognised that surveys can be inconvenient, especially during busy periods, but participation is strongly encouraged to ensure the views of the industry are properly captured.
For further information
For any queries about the survey or the research, please contact Nicola Graham at EKOS on nicola.graham@ekos.co.uk or Eilidh MacDonald or Catherine MacNeil at HIE via hieresearch@hient.co.uk.
All responses will be reported to HIE in aggregate form only, with no individual views or feedback identified.
Thank you in advance for your input to this important research.