31st May 2006
Support for Highland 2007 is growing within the business community as a further three organisations become official partners to the year Scotland celebrates Highland culture.
The three, Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort, Highlands and Islands Airports Limited and First Scotrail are each contributing a substantial package of in-kind promotional support. This will enable Highland 2007 to enhance the range and quality of its promotional activities to reach thousands more people with the message that the Highlands is a great place to live and to visit - as well as being easily accessible and home to a vast range of accommodation for all holidaymakers.
As in-kind partners the organisations are also providing Highland 2007 with accommodation and transport services throughout the year.
Alison Magee, chair of Highland 2007, said: "We are delighted to welcome these three businesses as official partners to Highland 2007. The support offered by each will significantly boost the profile of Highland 2007 and ensure that we are reaching as many people as possible with our message to visitors and residents alike that the Highlands can offer an exciting and vibrant contemporary cultural scene."
Ruaridh Macdonald, Operations Director, Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort, said: "The Scottish Highlands are an exciting business and holiday destination and we are delighted to be part of Highland 2007, as it provides a tremendous focal point for everyone to celebrate the culture, the benefits, the attractions and the facilities we have to offer. At MAHR, we are already seeing the rewards of an �80m investment, with a substantial increase in both conference business and leisure tourists to the area. By lending our support to Highland 2007, we hope to be able to extend our highland hospitality to an even greater number of people, who will enjoy a fantastic holiday and return time and time again."
Inglis Lyon, managing director of Highlands and Islands Airports, said: "The Highlands are a fantastic location in which to live and work and offer a huge range of attractions to visitors. We are delighted to be able to support the Highland 2007 initiative and believe that the expanding range of air services at our airports will bring many more visitors into the region next year."
"Highland 2007 provides a unique opportunity to promote our area to a global audience and will play an important part in ensuring ongoing positive economic and social development across the region."
Mary Dickson, managing director of First ScotRail, said: "We are delighted to provide support for Highland 2007, and hope it will encourage more people to come to the Highlands and experience its beauty and culture for themselves. There is so much for families or groups of friends to do and see that First ScotRail knew that this was an opportunity not to be missed."
To find out more about becoming a partner to Highland 2007, businesses and organisations are encouraged to contact Torquil MacLeod, Highland 2007 funding manager, on 01463 702007.
See Highland 2007