Driving Up Visitor Numbers

Tourist bosses say they're confident thousands more people will flock to Fife this autumn.

Last year, almost 500, 000 trips were made to the region by visitors across the UK.

Visit Scotland's launched a direct mail campaign targetting 24, 000 contacts who live within a two to four hour drive of the region. 

The activity is part of VisitScotland's £5.3million Brilliant Moments campaign and features events such as the St Andrews Day's celebrations and the Scottish Snowdrop Festival, attractions like the Knockhill Racing Circuit, the Scottish Deer Centre near Cupar and the soon to be opened Kingsbarns Distillery and outdoor activities like walking on the Fife Coastal path. It has the potential to be seen over 2 million times.

Having played host to successful Homecoming events such as the recent Forth Bridges Festival, StAnza 2014, Bruce Festival and the East Neuk Festival, and home to world-famous golf courses, fantastic eateries and picture-perfect coastline communities, Fife is renowned as a great location for all the family. 

Manuela Calchini, VisitScotland Regional Partnerships Director, said: 

"This year has provided a fantastic opportunity to promote tourism. Fife is one of the regions that has benefitted from this unique year with businesses and attractions welcoming people from across the globe. However, we need to keep that momentum going and show visitors, and potential visitors, that the area is a treasure trove of 'Brilliant Moment' regardless of the season.

"Tourism is more than a holiday experience, it creates jobs and sustains communities and we'll continue to work hard to promote Fife as we move into the Year of Food & Drink 2015."

Councillor Lesley Laird, Fife Council Depute Leader, added: 

"Fife is a fantastic all year round tourist destination. Voted No 1 outdoor destination for eight years in a row, Autumn is the perfect time to walk the Fife Coastal Path - Scotland’s longest coastal walk - or play a round in the undisputed home of golf. We also have first-class events and festivals taking place including the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in St Andrews next month following the Ryder Cup. We've so much to shout about and Fife’s impressive visitor figures which continue to grow just prove this."