Fife Business Tourism Group Meeting

Hotel Du Vin, St Andrews

24th October 2016

Attendance:

Ann Camus - Fife Council

John Murray – Fife Council

Scott Francis – University of St Andrews

Sharron McIntosh – Fife Cultural Trust

Dorothy Smith - Fife Council

Simon Taylor – Old Course Hotel

Helen Bechelli – Platinum Scene

Apologies:

Marianne MacKinnon - University of St Andrews

Gillian McCracken – Fife Council

Ben Stewart - University of St Andrews

Manuela Calchini – VisitScotland

Elaine Longmuir – NTS (Culross Palace)

Pamela Stevenson – Fife Council

Lisa Stewart – BEST WESTERN PLUS Keavil House Hotel

Welcome/Introductions
Ann welcomed the group including Helen Bechelli of Platinum Scene who was attending for the first time.
Minutes & Matters arising
No list for VisitScotland 2017 business events as of yet.
The group would like to organise a fam trip in 2017 and bring buyers to Fife to show them our offerings.
Business Event
The group would still like to go ahead with an event which would be an awareness raising day for suppliers. The group would invite businesses from the Top 200 businesses in Fife as well as businesses from other neighbouring regions.
Simon will run the idea past Stephen Carter in regards to the possibility of the Old Course hosting the event.
If the venue could be provided complimentary, it would mean that the group could avoid charging visitors.
Ann suggested a sub working group would be required to help with the event. Helen, Dorothy & Sharron agreed to be part of this group. / ST
2016 & 2017 Events
John reported that the Meet in Scotland was a very good event. 24 buyers from UK & other European countries met with buyers from Scotland at Fairmont Hotel with 20 appointments for each exhibitor.
Lisa Stewart also represented the group at the event and reported that it was a very well organised forum to attend and is sure there will be lots of interest for Fifefrom the delegates who attended. Lisa commented that the delegates were enthusiastic and relatively senior representatives. They were also genuinely interested in the area opportunities that we offered.
The group felt the 2016 events were beneficial and there is now a collated list of buyers from throughout the year.
Eventit
There was some discussion about Eventit at the last meeting. John will contact Judith to check if they are interested in destinations taking a stand. / JM
5. / Economic Development & Business Support
Dot Smith, Economic Adviser at Fife Council kindly provided information on a range of help for businesses. These can be viewed online at including Accessing New Markets, Guide to Services, Supplier Development Programmeand Market Developer Programme.
Dot also gave out copies ofFife Business Matters. Fife Business Matters is Fife's premier business publication, which celebrates the success of local businesses and seeks to support the development and growth of the local economy.
6. / Any other business
Sharron will pass Team building contacts to Ann & John.
Lisa Stewart has now left BEST WESTERN PLUS Keavil House Hotel so will no longer be part of the group. / JM
7. / Date of Next Meeting & Close
The next meeting will take place at Hams Hame, St Andrews on 10th January 2017 from 10am – 12pm.
Pease let know if you can attend.