The Moffat Centre has undertaken several learning journeys in recent years, covering both UK and international destinations.  The primary focus of these learning programmes has been to co-ordinate individual business and/or public sector representatives’ development interests with wider destination objectives

The latest learning journey took place during September and October 2009 and took the form of a Scottish learning programme developed for delegates from the municipalities of Ukmerge and Utena in Lithuania.

These delegates were provided with a practical based intensive programme focusing on rural tourism development. The learning programme comprised of two forms of delivery:

• Classroom based theory and practical study of tourism development
• Learning visits to tourism organisations and individual businesses who work in rural Scotland.

Programme content was informed by five overarching key themes which were incorporated into the programme delivery:

1. Making a business case for tourism developments;
2. Analysing tourism business capability;
3. Hosting and evaluating the success of events
4. Rural destination development and marketing.

The content of the programme was tailored to meet the needs of delegates. Participants were provided with a learning handbook covering all programme activity, including classroom content and the learning visits itinerary.

Classroom based workshops covered:

• Events
• Tourism in Scotland
• Destination marketing
• Sustainability in tourism

Delegates visited the following sites to observe best practice in a real setting, focusing on retail, events and destination marketing:

• New Lanark World Heritage Site
• Wigton literary book town
• Tullibardine Distillery
• Balmaha, Loch Lomond Waterfront Lodges
• Cream O’ Galloway Farm and Visitor Centre

For more information:

• Lithuania Tourism