Argyll and the Isles Tourism Cooperative

18/09/2026

Vital infrastructure updates for Islay and Jura 🚢⚓

Upcoming works at Port Askaig mark a major step forward for regional transport resilience. As a critical gateway connecting Islay, Jura, and the mainland, ensuring this hub is modernised and reliable is essential for local communities, supply chains, and our visitor economy.

While temporary works bring short-term adjustments, long-term infrastructure investment is key to keeping our island destinations accessible, competitive, and open for business year round.

Stay updated on project timelines and travel guidance:
➡️ https://bit.ly/46Dnin1

11/09/2026

Join us on Tuesday, 29 September at 10:00 am for a special Zoom seminar with CTSI’s Holiday and Travel Law Lead Officer, Bruce Trelour.

Open to AITC members and non-members, this practical webinar will help you understand which travel laws apply to your business and what you need to do when creating, pricing, promoting and selling visitor experiences.

It will cover package travel rules, online and social media sales, insolvency protection, AI, contracts, insurance, FCDO advice and the legal requirements for combining accommodation, transport, tours or activities.

The session is particularly relevant to accommodation providers, tour and activity operators, guides, transport providers and any business developing or selling multi-part holidays or visitor packages.

Register via the link below:
👉 https://bit.ly/4iZpgWd

10/09/2026

Now is not the time for a visitor levy in Argyll & the Isles.

AITC has submitted a detailed response to Argyll and Bute Council’s proposed year-round £5 charge per room or accommodation area per night.

We support investment in our visitor economy. But we remain concerned about:

- Affordability for visitors and potential reductions in local spending.
- Additional costs and administration for accommodation providers.
- The impact on island and remote communities.

We are calling for the proposal to be paused until an independent assessment demonstrates whether the benefits would outweigh the costs and risks.

We will continue to represent our members and work constructively with the Council.

Read our full statement here: https://business.wildaboutargyll.co.uk/latest-news/

06/09/2026

While international tourism in Scotland is booming, the domestic market still faces challenges.

Prior to the launch of the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government 2026–31, the Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) outlined three core priorities to support sector growth:

▪️Avoiding any additional taxes or regulatory burdens.

▪️Establishing a dedicated, long-term growth plan for tourism and hospitality.

▪️Tackling workforce shortages through investment in skills and apprenticeships.

With the Programme released earlier this week, the STA is now assessing how effectively the Government plans to meet industry needs. Read their full summary via the link below.

🔗https://bit.ly/4yjCpxK

04/09/2026

Our visitor-facing brands, Love Oban and Wild About Argyll, saw incredible growth and engagement this August.

👥 605,000 total potential visitors reached.

📲 1,085 new followers gained.

📣 50 member features.

How does this benefit our members?

Member features act as trusted recommendations, driving warm, high-intent leads straight to your website.

Reaching over 605,000 visitors keeps the region top of mind, translating into more footfall and bookings for local operators.

With over 1,000 new followers this month alone, we are constantly expanding the pool of engaged visitors ready to discover your brand.

Tap into our network and let us champion your business! 🌟
https://bit.ly/BecomeAnAITCMember

04/09/2026

The successful effort to restore the iconic Carsaig red phone box, made famous in Powell & Pressburger’s 'I Know Where I'm Going!', proves how valuable screen tourism is to Argyll’s visitor economy.

Spotlighting these film locations gives visitors a powerful reason to journey further into our rural and island communities.

From connecting your business to established film trails to weaving screen heritage into your guest experiences, AITC can help you turn Scotland’s on-screen legacy into a direct benefit for your business and capitalise on the growing demand.

Get in touch with the team to learn more.

📧 [email protected]

31/08/2026

Exciting Heritage Opportunity in Oban! ✨

The MacDougall of Dunollie Preservation Trust is seeking an inspiring Site & Heritage Manager to lead Dunollie Museum, Castle and Grounds. This is a rare chance to guide one of Scotland's most significant heritage sites through a pivotal period of transformation!

Role Highlights:

💷 Salary: £36,000 per annum.

📅 Contract: Fixed term to December 2027, with the exciting potential to extend into a new Director role.

💼 Your responsibilities: Oversee all on-site operations, lead a multidisciplinary team, manage grant funding, and beautifully balance heritage conservation with visitor engagement and commercial activities.

🌟 Ideal candidate: An experienced management professional with a strong background in the heritage or cultural sector, proven fundraising skills, and a strategic, collaborative mindset.

To apply, please email your CV and cover letter to [email protected] outlining your suitability for the role and why you want to join the Dunollie team.

📧 Contact: [email protected]
⏰ Closing Date: 6th September, 2026

27/08/2026

Sustainable travel is shaping the future of tourism across Argyll & The Isles, and our members are leading the way by earning recognised Green Tourism Accreditation.

Standout certified members like Loch Riddon Bothy, Melfort Village, and Lochs, Bens & Glens Ltd. show how responsible practices, from energy efficiency and local sourcing to promoting low-carbon travel, enhance guest experiences while preserving our landscapes for generations to come.

Together, we can inspire mindful visitors who love, respect, and reinvest in Argyll.

💡 Connect with the AITC community to access practical tips, resources, and peer-to-peer support on your journey toward Green Tourism certification!

📩 Get in touch: [email protected]

🌿 Discover Green Tourism certified members across Argyll & Bute:
https://bit.ly/4y5Ldaw arg

20/08/2026

Huge congratulations to our AITC members recognised at The Food Awards Scotland 2026! Your dedication to world class hospitality and exceptional local produce continues to establish Argyll and the Isles as a premier culinary and tourism destination.

🏆 Brambles of Inveraray – Winner of Best Scottish Inn / Restaurant of the Year

⭐ Loch Fyne Oysters – Recognised for excellence as Best Seafood Restaurant

⭐ Ben Cruachan Inn - Restaurant and Pub with Rooms – Recognised for excellence as Scottish Inn / Restaurant of the Year

⭐ Oban Seafood Hut – Recognised for excellence as Food Truck of the Year

These local businesses embody the authentic, sustainable, and unforgettable food experiences that drive visitors to our region time and time again. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🥂

20/08/2026

Two additional opportunities to ask about the proposed Visitor Levy scheme 👇

Sign up for our Visitor Levy consultation webinars.

Find out what the proposed fixed rate Visitor Levy could mean for Argyll and Bute and have your questions answered at our online webinars:

• 25 August, 6pm-7pm
• 22 September, 1pm-2pm

A visitor levy could raise millions of pounds for investment in the local visitor economy, to benefit residents, visitors and businesses, by helping to sustain Argyll and Bute as a choice destination while addressing the pressures tourism can put on infrastructure and services.

Find out more and book your place: www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/visitor-levy-consultation-2026/webinars