With sightings reported at a rate of less than one a year, spotting Nessie is a rare event.
But now, top tips are being offered as part of a new mission to help European visitors catch a glimpse of one of the world’s greatest mysteries.
The key advice to French, German and Dutch holidaymakers is to “cover as much ground as possible” by exploring the area in a campervan and “listen to the locals.”
VisitBritain launches a fresh campaign next week hoping to bolster visitor number off season.
A six-week digital promotion features images and videos to showcase the area’s stunning scenery and other unique attractions.
The organisation’s latest figures show there were 316,000 international visits to Inverness in 2015, which was up 21% on the previous year.
VisitBritain marketing chief Robin Johnson said: “Steeped in history and culture and surrounded by breathtaking scenery, the Inverness and Loch Ness area offers an unbeatable holiday experience at all times of the year.
“By inspiring visitors to book a trip now to come and explore this stunning part of the Highlands – and maybe even spot Nessie – we can spread the economic benefits of tourism throughout the year.”
VisitInvernessLochNess chief executive Graeme Ambrose said: “This campaign is a fantastic way to harness the global fascination with Nessie to shine a light on all that is great about Inverness and Loch Ness, driving growth and attracting more visitors year-round.”
The “Inverness Loch Ness” campaign launched in the summer with an initial three-week run, is part of a longer term plan to grow tourism beyond the summer.
It has been a record-breaking year to date for overall UK tourism.
The UK’s best July on record, according to VisitBritain, registered 3.8million visits, which was a 2% increase year on year.
Last year set a record for the total number of visitors and amount they spent – with 36.1million visits (up 5%) and expenditure of £22.1billion (up 1%).