This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Scotland takes to cyberspace
27/11/2006
Visitscotland is looking to cyberspace to attract even more visitors to Scotland.
The national tourism agency is to receive an additional 550,000 over two years to maximise the potential new technology can offer in a highly competitive international marketplace.
VisitScotland will establish a 'New Media Unit' to investigate the latest communications techniques - including podcasts, video streaming and text messaging - and put them into practice.
Tourism Minister Patricia Ferguson said:
"This funding will help Visitscotland tap into the limitless opportunities offered by new media.
"Visitors are increasingly finding new ways to accessing information about holiday destinations, both in choosing where to go, and finding out what to do once they reach their destination.
"Visitscotland needs to keep ahead of the competition and use increasingly sophisticated methods of attracting visitors."
Visitscotland's New Media Unit will:
- Gather a library of digital media content covering all aspects of Scottish tourism
- Investigate the possibility setting up a content management service to feed an online TV channel. This would market Scotland and promote specific events and activities
- Roll out the use of hand held devices (personal digital assistants) to capture consumer feedback and transmit feedback to a central database
- Consider setting up an online facility where consumers' comments can be posted and highlight views on all aspects of their trip
- Consider the development of tourism related retail goods online