The Love Loch Lomond Marine Tourism Conference took place at the Lodge on Loch Lomond Hotel, Luss, on Wednesday 16 May.

David Adams-McGilp, Regional Director - Argyll & the Isles, West Dunbartonshire, East Dunbartonshire, VisitScotland, chaired the day’s programme, with speakers providing valuable insights into a wide-ranging perspective on marine tourism, including infrastructure and strategy, product development and marketing, managing assets and more.

There were useful updates from the latest developments of the West Coast Marine Tourism Group, which is a collaboration of 18 destination organisations across a large part of Scotland.

Delegates also got the opportunity to participate in a marine tourism planning exercise delivered and led by Rhona Fairgrieve of the Scottish Coastal Forum.

There was an additional opportunity to participate in a workshop run by the West Coast Marine Tourism Forum, at the end of the conference.

This event was designed as a starting point for all tourism and hospitality businesses and industry partners to learn and consider what opportunities can be developed in the lead up to 2020 Year of Coast and Waters, and how delegates could learn from best practice in order to attract more visitors to participate in water-based activities, sailing and attract cruise ship passengers.

It was clear from the day’s session that Marine Tourism does not just focus on the water-based activity but remains a significant business opportunity for other tourism activity in and around the destination.

The speakers and delegates showed that by working together, opportunities can be developed for accommodation providers, visitor attractions, food & drink, retail and transport providers.

Download the speaker presentations for more information.

Scotland Case Study - Fergus Murray, Argyll & Bute Council

Asset Management – Richard Millar, Scottish Canals

West Coast Marine Tourism Group Update – Iain Jurgensen, Portavadie and Michelle Hilder, Strontian Hotel

Sector Marketing – Daniel Steel, Sail Scotland

Strategic Context – Rhona Fairgrieve, Scottish Coastal Forum

Next Steps - Richard Walsh, Scottish Government

Iain Jurgensen of Portavadie said, “With the Year of Coast and Waters in 2020 on the horizon we see an opportunity to work with existing businesses and build new collaborations to help us really benefit Marine Tourism." 

"A key part of this is realising our assets and how we communicate these to the end user through innovation and creative ideas while ensuring we fully understand the needs of the market we are looking to attract. The Marine Tourism Conference represents a great platform to build on strong existing public and private partnerships.”