Homecoming Scotland aims to motivate Scots, people of Scottish descent and those who simply love Scotland to come to Scotland in 2009 and take part in an inspirational celebration of our culture, heritage and some of the many great contributions Scotland has given the world. With Scottish Ancestry identified as one of the key Homecoming ‘pillars’, plus a £5 million funding programme supporting the event, there will be major opportunities for tourism businesses to benefit.

First Minister Alex Salmond officially launched the celebrations on 16^th June at Edinburgh Castle. A key part of the announcement on 16th June was the call for Scots to get involved in Homecoming. Here's how:

• Extend the invite: Spread the word by telling your customers, friends and relatives wherever they live, about the special year of Homecoming and encourage them to join the 2009 celebrations.
• Log on to the official Homecoming website: www.homecomingscotland2009.com and send an e-invite inviting customers, friends and family home.
• Sign up for the Homecoming Scotland newsletter at www.homecomingscotland2009.com and be the first to get updates on events as well as general information about Homecoming.
• For event organisers looking to develop Homecoming activities, contact the Homecoming Team who can assist with advice and in-kind marketing support. Further information can be obtained by contacting Rebecca McPherson, Homecoming Scotland 2009 T: 0131 472 2408/ email: info@homecomingscotland.com

For businesses and organisations wishing to promote Homecoming Scotland 2009, a logo can be downloaded from the website www.homecomingscotland2009.com for inclusion within marketing communications.

How can ancestral businesses benefit from Homecoming Scotland?

Significant dedicated marketing spend is being made available in the run up to 2009, with VisitScotland co-ordinating a major ancestral campaign in key overseas markets. The website www.ancestralscotland.com will be the key tool for promoting Scotland to potential ancestral tourists across the world. The site has just been re-launched with a range of new trade marketing opportunities.

Contact VisitScotland's Ancestral Tourism Marketing Manager at genealogy@visitscotland.com to discuss promoting your business on the site, or speak to your local Business Relationship Manager about how you can get involved in the campaign.

To maximise the business benefits from ancestral marketing activity in the run up to 2009, you will need to be a member of the Ancestral Tourists Welcome Scheme. The way into the scheme is via the Ancestral Tourism Training Course. If you're looking to target the high-value ancestral market coming 'home' in 2009, sign up for an ancestral training course now!

The online Ancestral Tourism course is available anytime and is ideal for tourism operators who have an interest in meeting the specific needs of Ancestral tourists, for example accommodation providers, libraries, museums, tourist information centres and visitor centres. It has been developed to recognise the growing ancestral tourism market and to ensure that all tourism operators are maximising the potential benefits to their business. The cost to participate in the online course is only £25.00 per person. Visit the Events and Training Section at www.visitscotland.org where further information on courses can be found.

Make enquiries about events being planned for your area in 2009 and speak to the organisers now about developing possible linkages, packages and promotional opportunities.

If you're planning to hold an event, make sure the Homecoming team has details so that it can be promoted on the Homecoming website. Contact Torquil MacLeod at torquil.macleod@homecomingscotland.com