A Moray town is expecting an increase in visitors after receiving recognition for its high level of customer care.
Forres and the surrounding area has achieved World Host Recognised Destination status – a badge awarded for high quality service and helping to boost tourism.
The town has already seen a spike in visitor numbers recently, after 2015 film Macbeth inspired a 135% increase in holiday queries.
Forres received the World Host status after several businesses signed up to a programme of customer care training, showing their commitment to improving service.
Debbie Herron, local development officer of the Forres Area Community Trust, celebrated the announcement yesterday.
She said: “As we move into the start of what we hope to be a busy tourist season, we are delighted to have gained World Host Recognised Destination status for Forres and Logie.
“This certificate demonstrates to visitors that we take customer care seriously and that they can be assured a warm welcome.”
The Moray Economic Partnership’s tourism and culture group aims to have the entire region awarded World Host Regional Destination status.
The scheme sets benchmarks that businesses and their operators can use to ensure high quality customer service.
It has already been used to train more than 10% of Scotland’s tourism workforce, and has received investment in excess of £2million since it was launched in Scotland.
Small firms in Forres are optimistic that a rise in tourism will boost business.
The High Street’s Babalu craft shop is one of the many businesses that signed up to the programme.
Its director, Laura Handon, said: “I think that taking part in this training will be a benefit to my business and will help encourage more people to visit our beautiful town.”