We are seeking ambitious Scottish food and drink businesses looking to offer online bookable experiences.
Scotland offers exceptional food tourism experiences from food tours and tastings to hands on cookery classes and masterclasses, but it is not easy for customers to find and book them.
Imagine yourself with access to expert advisors helping to boost your business exposure, leads and sales.
Scotland’s Bookable Food and Drink Experiences will enhance Scotland’s reputation as a premier global food tourism destination. This ground-breaking initiative is led by Scotland Food & Drink on behalf of the food tourism leadership group which includes VisitScotland, Scottish Government, and Scottish Tourism Alliance. The invitation to participate is open to 50 businesses across Scotland during this pilot phase and will include specialist hands- on support.
Applications are now open.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is limited to 50 forward- thinking businesses with the desire and potential to develop their food tourism experiences and make them bookable online.
It requires your commitment (estimated at 33 hours + self-study) to participate in the full project which will run from August 2024 to March 2025. In return, you will receive access to training and mentoring support valued at £2,500.
Why Join the Pilot Programme?
- Tailored Training: You’ll have access to a comprehensive training programme consisting of online workshops and one-on-one support tailored to your business’ needs, which addresses your specific challenges and capitalizes on your strengths.
- Access to Online Masterclasses: Stay ahead of the curve with our engaging masterclasses. Led by food tourism experts, these sessions cover topics like storytelling and direct marketing, creating content that works, and managing your online reputation. You’ll gain practical insights and actionable tips to enhance your business.
- Enhanced Online Presence: Navigate complex topics supported by dedicated advisors and gain the skills and tools needed to make your food and drink experiences easily bookable online
- Increased Visibility: Improve your business’ visibility to potential customers through targeted marketing strategies
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow entrepreneurs and like-minded businesses to exchange ideas, collaborate, and build valuable relationships
- Further Resources: Unable to commit to the pilot project? A self-help toolkit of resources and recorded webinars will be developed as part of this project. Initially it will be made available to participants prior to wider distribution across Scotland
Application Process
To be at the forefront of Scotland’s food tourism development please thoroughly read through the Eligibility Criteria before submitting the online application before the closing date of 5pm, Wednesday 31st July.
On acceptance for a place in the pilot, and prior to commencement, a signed Project Participation Agreement will be required, along with a nominal participation fee of £75. This ensures maximum benefit for the most committed businesses. Please be aware that if you withdraw from participation after accepting a place, you may be liable for costs incurred on your behalf.
Join us in showcasing the best of Scotland’s food and drink experiences to the world. Together, we will elevate Scotland’s standing as a top-tier food tourism destination.