A campaign to encourage more people to enjoy the sailing waters in and around Largs and the Clyde coast has brought in millions to the economy.
Business and Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing, was just up the road in Inverkip at Scotland’s Boat Show held at the weekend. Both Kip Marina and Largs Yacht Haven are among the country’s top sailing destinations.
Mr Ewing said Sail Scotland – the national marketing organisation for sailing tourism – had generated the extra income following a grant from the VisitScotland Growth Fund last year. The group also received funding from Scottish Development International.
The £22,500 award from VisitScotland allowed Sail Scotland to extend its reach in the global market by exhibiting at a number of international boat shows during 2015. This included targeted work in Dusseldorf, Gothenburg, Lillestrom and Wales.
Following its heightened profile on the world stage, Scotland was last month named ‘World’s Best Cruising Ground’ in the prestigious Sailing Today Awards.
The year-long marketing activity – Sailing to Success – also included development of the Sail Scotland brand and targeted promotional campaigns with top brands including Talisker Whisky and outdoor clothing company Musto.
The campaign is estimated to have generated an additional 8,519 visitor boat nights from key target markets, delivering £1,320,445 of additional expenditure into the Scottish economy. This exceeded the target of the campaign by nearly 150 boat nights.
Business and Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing said: “I am delighted to be here today opening Scotland’s Boat Show, the largest in Scotland. Marine tourism makes an important contribution to Scotland’s economy.
“Boating is a great activity for everyone, regardless of age, circumstance or ability, helping people realise their true potential. Scotland provides so many opportunities for marine leisure and I would encourage everyone to try it.”
Gavin McDonagh, Chairman of Sail Scotland, said: “This clearly demonstrates how we can deliver growth and support delivery of the national marine tourism strategy. Over the past year we have delivered one of the most ambitious marketing plans in our history, bringing new visitors to our waters from across Europe and cementing Scotland’s place as a world-class sailing destination.