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First Minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond, will join Scotland’s tourism and trade mission to India from 10-15 October. With the Commonwealth Games currently taking place, the joint mission, from 10-17 October, provides the perfect opportunity for the Scottish Government along with Scottish Development International (SDI), Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI), VisitScotland and Scottish tourism partners to showcase the very best that Scotland has to offer.
The mission aims to raise Scotland’s profile in India in terms of business, golf, whisky, culture, tourism and education and showcase Scotland to key influencers and decision-makers within India’s travel trade and business community. The VisitScotland delegation will visit New Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai and combine a programme of trade workshops, sales calls and media meetings.
First Minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond, said “This trade mission provides an excellent opportunity to strengthen Indo-Scottish links across a range of sectors where Scotland has real strengths and expertise.
“The Scottish Government is committed to advancing Scotland’s relationship with India both culturally and economically. The presence of three high-level trade missions reinforces our ambition to work more closely with India, capitalise on opportunities within its growing economy and to promote Scotland’s role as host of the next Commonwealth Games.
“Scotland will have a significant presence in India next week and the trade delegation will be working hard to secure jobs and investment to Scotland and promote our country as a great place to live, to work, to study and to visit.”
Over 200 Indian buyers are met by VisitScotland each year, while more than 140 Indian Operators have been hosted by VisitScotland, including TAAI agents, Jet Airways Key Accounts & Kingfisher Airlines Key Accounts. VisitScotland have hosted a further 40 buyers at the annual Expo event in Scotland since 2006 and regularly host various media on press trips to Scotland throughout the year.
VisitScotland also now boasts 1000 SCOTS Agents in India, selling Scotland as a visitor destination.
As an emerging global economic power and an essential partner for Scotland, India can contribute to the key purpose of the Scottish Government, which is to increase sustainable economic growth. The Commonwealth Games provides a focus and an ideal opportunity to build and maintain relationships and promote Scotland as a key economic partner.
The Indian market offers a real opportunity for Scotland’s luxury businesses and brands, with
Scotland able to offer the type of destination experience that visitors from India enjoy. Scotland has a great range of pre-organised packages at the high end of the market, a second to none golfing reputation, and an abundance of luxury accommodation options and whisky distilleries.
