Destination Organisation Love Loch Lomond recently hosted two familiarisation trips for local tourism businesses, one to East Loch Lomond and another to West Loch Lomond.

This activity was part of the Collaborating for Success project, funded by the Scottish Enterprise Destination Development Fund.

The familiarisation trips, designed and delivered by small-group tour operator Experience Scotland’s Wild, and led by guide and owner John Stevenson, aimed to highlight the diversity of great attractions and activities and facilities in each area, and to assist local tourism and hospitality businesses to increase their knowledge of the tourism offer available, in order to enhance and improve the visitor experience.

Participants on the East Loch Lomond trip started the day with a hugely enjoyable visit to the RSPB Loch Lomond Reserve at Gartocharn. They continued to popular Balmaha destination and family business,The Oak Tree Inn, travelling via the Duke’s Pass to stop for lunch at  the home of Steamship Sir Walter Scott, Loch Katrine, where they were delighted to view the new eco-camping pods onsite.

Hilary Soanes, of The Old School House Bed and Breakfast said: “It was good to tour round some familiar spots from a new perspective. The most valuable part for me was meeting the three inspirational heads of their particular enterprises. The enthusiasm portrayed from an Ecologist & Community Officer, an Entrepreneur who can only be admired and a Seasoned Tourism Consultant and CEO left me inspired to do things better at my place. Thank you Love Loch Lomond, without these trips, running my small business would be an isolated existence.“

The East Loch Lomond trip offered visitors the chance to tour Great Western Golf, take in Dumbarton Castle, and visit the new Submarine Centre in Helensburgh before stopping for lunch at Sugar Boat. The trip continued with a visit to Luss Smokehouse and time for a walk around the Luss Faerie Trail, ending with a visit to Sweeney’s Cruises in Balloch.

Suzanne Bell of Quay Marinas said: “Love Loch Lomond recently hosted a destination familiarisation trip for local businesses which were unfamiliar with the area and were interested to learn how we could further enhance the experience for visitors.Rhu Marina has over 700 visiting boats from April – October with an average stay of 3 nights.

Suzanne continued: "Our visitors are looking for local attractions, activities and places to eat and drink. There are many interesting things to do near us and this trip gave us an in-depth look at some of them. The trip was enjoyable, interesting and informative, and I’m sure will only serve to enhance our visitors’ experience.”

Find more accommodation, things to see and do places to eat at www.lovelochlomond.com