The Outer Hebrides are featuring in a special competition offering 8,000 people the chance to enjoy a free return trip to one of 23 islands in Scotland.
After the overwhelming success of Brilliant Island Moments last year, VisitScotland has once again teamed up with Caledonian MacBrayne and Serco NorthLink Ferries to encourage people to discover for the first time or reacquaint themselves with Scotland’s islands.
The new campaign, which is open to UK residents, offers 8,000 free passenger tickets for an offshore adventure.
There will be a draw each week, up until 25 March with 4,000 winners receiving one pair of foot passenger tickets for their chosen route.
In 2014, a record-
The Islands Visitor Survey revealed that of the 425,000 visitors who went to the Outer Hebrides, Shetland and Orkney between 2012 and 2013, around three quarters said they would be likely to return in the next five years for a holiday or short break.
The survey also revealed visitors contribute over £100 million to the local economies.
It is expected the Outer Hebrides will once again be a popular choice for visitors during 2015, the Year of Food and Drink, due to the diverse natural larder boasting everything from seafood and black pudding to beer and whisky.
Almost half of visitors to the Outer Hebrides try local food (49%) and the survey revealed that 83% of visitors were either very or fairly satisfied with the quality of local food and drink products.
Ferry ticket giveaway to boost tourism
2 March 2015