Skye is Scotland’s second most popular destination. The data shows that visitor numbers continue to grow each year and now exceed pre-covid levels. It is alarming that a destination like Skye faces the real possibility of not having a body...
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Mini Bite – from Alistair Danter – 12th October 2021
In Alistair's Mini Bite below you'll find information on Alistair Danter's work as Project Manager for SkyeConnect.
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In the fortnight that Amazon launched it’s first robot for the home,“Astro”, at a cost of just under $1000. The internet connected roving device has a periscope camera that owners can access remotely. We were relieved to understand that it can be programmed to stay out of intimate spaces such as bedrooms and bathrooms. “Not in front of the robot” springs to mind. I wonder how long it will be before Astro and friends make an appearance in the hospitality sector? Here’s some other highlights from the week in hospitality:
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SEALL Live Events
SEALL has two fantastic live events this October. Brìghde Chaimbeul and Aidan O’Rourke are performing live on the 16th of October at Broadford Hall. Then, on the 29th of October, the Scottish Dance Theatre presents Antigone, Interrupted at An Crubh in Sleat.
Don’t forget SEALL’s Small Halls Festival this year in November. Keep your eyes peeled for ticket information coming shortly on SEALL’s website.
Members Exclusive SEO Insights
Exclusive to SkyeConnect members, we are hosting a series of in-depth insights into to Search Engine Optimisation and website development. The first has been created for Self Catering and B&B owners to help maximise occupancy and service take up. This invaluable information is now available on the members section of the website https://skye-connect.com/isle-of-skye-accommodation-seo/
We highly recommend reading through this information.
Stagecoach Update
Following an initial evaluation of the Stagecoach shuttle bus scheme to Fairy Pools, Old Man of Storr and Fairyglen, SkyeConnect is now meeting with Stagecoach, Hi Trans, Highland Council and elected members to review options for more a more comprehensive bus service covering the entire island.
Autumn/Winter Marketing Campaign
A successful bid to the VisitScotland DMO marketing fund has resulted in an award for a winter social media marketing campaign with the working title – ‘Skye the island of Adventure and Discovery”. We are looking for businesses that are planning to stay open/partially open over winter to feature in the campaign that will initially run from November to February. If you have bookable products or experiences from November to February and would like to be involved, please contact david.macdonald@skye-connect.com
STL Legislation Update
Short term lets continues to feature heavily in our workload, the Scottish Government is now asking for opinions on the effectiveness of the proposed legislation through their survey – “Do you think the legislation will achieve its stated aims?” Here’s the link to the survey – https://bit.ly/3lboDe4
If you are a Self caterer, B&B or Guest House please take a few minutes to respond to the survey. The back ground to the survey can be found at https://bit.ly/3iNC6XC
COP 26 – Stories from Skye, Raasay & Lochalsh
In the lead up to Cop 26 and in collaboration with VisitScotland we are keen to learn about any a low carbon innovation / initiatives that businesses have adopted. Please send a short para (250 – 300 words) describing your development and how it has impacted on your business to info@skye-connect.com
VisitScotland Days Out Incentive Fund
The VisitScotland Day out incentive fund has just been launched, details can be found at https://bit.ly/2YvZvpn
It will run from Nov 2021 – Feb 2022 and Businesses which meet all the eligibility criteria will be able to apply via the online application form, which will be available until 5pm on Tuesday 12 October 2021. Any applications received after this period will not be considered. Applications will not be assessed on a first come, first served basis. Participating businesses must have a listing on VisitScotland.com. Businesses without a VisitScotland.com listing will be required to provide basic listing detail for visitors to access their offer. Find out more on how you can apply for a listing for free on The Corporate site for Scotland’s National Tourism Organisation – VisitScotland.org
As international travel is slowly restarting VisitScotland have launched an International marketing campaign – ‘Scotland is Calling’. A blog on the campaign is here https://bit.ly/3oU4lb4. Details 0n the campaign can be found at Scotland is Calling https://bit.ly/3uZ2Vx9 along with details on the campaign launch and the industry guide.
“Spirit of the Highlands”
“Spirit of the Highlands” – Inverness Castle Renovation – SkyeConnect sits on the Tourism steering group that will see the Castle renovated to form a Tourism hub for the Highlands. All areas will be represented and the Castle will act as a spring board to encourage visitors to explore the Highlands in its entirety. For the next few months visitors to Inverness have the opportunity for a guided tour of the renovations to learn more about the project – https://bit.ly/2X4tDYG
Highland Council Tourism Committee Update
The Highland Council’s Tourism Committee met on the 29th September. The meeting reviewed a report of the Council’s Visitor Management Plan 2021 together with an overall appreciation of HC’s infrastructure work in recent years, details of the report can be found at https://bit.ly/3FzFRKk
Covid Recovery Strategy
The Scottish Government’s Covid Recovery Strategy has now been released. The Strategy sets out the Scottish Government’s vision for recovery and the actions it will take to address systemic inequalities made worse by Covid, make progress towards a wellbeing economy and accelerate inclusive person-centred public services. The strategy can be downloaded here – https://binged.it/3FKjbai
Hot Off The Press – New Business Support Fund from Highland Council
Follow this link for further details: https://bit.ly/3mJTpKj
The fund can be used in conjunction with the HERO (Highland Recruitment Employment package) employment package https://bit.ly/3uYki14
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