SkyeConnect – Who we are and what we do
Status
SkyeConnect is a company limited by guarantee, set up to operate as a destination management organisation with initial support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
Vision
Our vision is of a quality place where people live, work and visit year-round and enjoy a lifestyle rooted in the land, sea, culture, food and people.
Tha an lèirsinn againn de àite càileachd far am bi daoine a 'fuireach, ag obair agus a' tadhal fad na bliadhna agus a 'faighinn tlachd à dòigh-beatha a tha air a freumhachadh anns an fhearann, a' mhuir, a 'chultair, a' bhidhe agus daoine.
Roles
As the DMO for Skye, our roles are to:
- Listen to the wider community and represent its interests at local, regional and national level
- Facilitate effective collaboration between the people, businesses, public bodies and other organisations relevant to tourism, the environment and the wider economy
- Share knowledge and information with our members and partners
- Support local communities/development trusts to bring forward projects
- Co-ordinate infrastructure investment in partnership with Highland Council/HIE
- Promote Skye and the surrounding areas as a quality visitor destination
- Lobby government at local and national levels on behalf of our members
Scope
The scope of the operational activity that will help us work toward our vision covers:
- Communication and information sharing
- Managing and developing the visitor experience
- Developing and delivering a strategy for infrastructure
- Building and managing partnerships and networks
- We believe that there is a need for the sustainable management of natural, historical and cultural assets as it is principally this that attracts visitors to the area
- We believe that a sustainable tourism economy should provide inclusive growth that is responsive to the requirements of visitors and residents
- We seek to develop and manage an equitable distribution of visitors to spread economic benefits and reduce environmental and social pressures
- The tourism ecology is complex and interlinked, there is a need for coordination between a wide range of stakeholders that includes business, community groups/development trusts and public agencies. As the official DMO it is our role to facilitate collaboration between all interested parties
Membership benefits
- Networking events at discounted rates
- ‘Invitation Only’ events for Corporate Sponsors
- Newsletters
- Access to a library of images
- Access to quality business information and networking opportunities
- Benefit from a PR, Advocacy and Social Media presence and campaigns on behalf of industry on Skye
- Access to marketing and corporate sponsorship opportunities
- Members only area on website
- Opportunity to participate in Journalist visits and contribute to blogger websites
- Complimentary STA membership and access to member information at the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers
- Representation on SkyeConnect stand at Visit Scotland Expo travel trade fair
Supported by Highlands & Islands Enterprise, Visit Scotland, the Highland Council, Business Gateway, HITRANS and member of the Scottish Tourism Alliance and associate members of the Association of Scotland's Self-Caterers