There are a number sources of great information to help you research markets, understand your customers and help you develop and market your Travel Trade product.
Please find below some suggestions.
Destination Marketing Organisations
VisitScotland.com – official tourism website to promote Scotland.
VisitScotland.org – official corporate site for Scotlands Tourism businesses . Here you will find business support and lots of resources, tool kits, marketing information and much more.
VisitBritain.com – official tourism website for the UK.
VisitBritain Trade – a dedicated site for valued trade partners from Visit Britain the official tourism agency for Great Britain.
Trade Associations & Other Key Organisations
Scottish Tourism Alliance – largest membership organisation for tourism businesses in Scotland leading representative body for its tourism industry. The STA connects tourism businesses, destinations, sectoral groups and other organisations to improve collaboration, knowledge and best practice sharing and to build and strengthen tourism’s voice.
UKinbound – leading inbound travel trade association in the UK. Membership organisation for suppliers and tour operators working in the UK inbound tourism sector. UKinbound help businesses grow their business from the travel trade through a range of B to B engagement opportunities, support members and lobby government.
European Incoming Tour Operators Association – a trade association for suppliers and tour operators in the European market. Membership driven community they run B to B events, lobbying and support members.
SITE Global – Society for Incentive Travel Excellence, professional association of 2500 members over 90 countries. Networking, online resources, education, certification and advocacy.
Scottish Destination Management Association – the SDMA is the officially recognised Association for Scottish-based tour operators and destination management companies.
Scottish Incoming Golf Tour Operators Association – the organisation and its membership are the official industry trade association. They collaborate to further to help promote the home of golf to new and existing markets.
American Society of Travel Agents – the world’s largest association of travel professionals. Members include travel advisors, and the companies whose products they sell such as tours, cruises, hotels etc. The leading advocate for travel advisors, the travel industry and traveling public.
Business Support
Scottish Enterprise – they provide business support and advice and can signpost to funding, resources and expertise.
Scottish Development International – support to help you set up and grow your business in Scotland Invest and Trade Scotland.
Other resources:
Download sample fact sheet (hotel)
Download sample fact sheet (attraction)
Rates – how to set your rates guide
Image library for Edinburgh – visit Forever Edinburgh’s flickr account