Travel show to boost Scottish economy

The VisitScotland expo will boost the country’s economy by more than £630,000, according to the tourism body.

It said the event to be held in Edinburgh later this month would be worth 40% more than last year.

More than 420 operators from around the world will be attending along with 190 UK buyers.

They will meet with more than 275 Scottish tourism businesses at the Royal Highland Centre from April 20 to 21.

Last year’s event held in Aberdeen saw an estimated £24 million worth of business conducted over two days.

Organisers VisitScotland said the value of business transactions would be higher this year as there would be more buyers and exhibitors.

Major airlines including Etihad, Qatar, Turkish Airlines, Delta and Air Canada will also attend. VisitScotland has been working with more than 20 carriers over the past year to support the development of new and expanded air services to Scotland.

Chief executive Malcolm Roughead said: "It’s fantastic to see the large numbers of international and UK buyers heading to expo this year.~ It’s particularly pleasing to see a number of major airlines and other transport providers recognising the event as a great place to do business with Scotland.

"As the country’s biggest travel trade event, this is the chance to see the whole of Scotland under one roof and with just over a week to go, the 37th year of expo is shaping up to be our biggest and best yet."