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Start-up venture Shetland Inbound aims to bring 15,000 extra tourists to the islands each year.

Managing director Jurgen Scharkosi will target travellers from Scandinavia, Japan, Europe and America, marketing Shetland's 'culture, history and wildlife' as compelling pull-factors.

Shetland Inbound aims to function as a 'one-stop shop' for travel companies wanting to do business in Shetland.

Local investment agency Shetland Development Trust will purchase a 49% stake worth £98,000, and lend £75,000 for set-up costs.

'Every small business in Shetland could benefit from this', said the trust's financial controller Neil McDougall.
But he added: 'Everyone will have to lift their game', finding 'creative' ways of generating activity to lure tourists all year round.

The Shetland tourist industry centres on the riotous Viking Up Helly Aa fire festival, the folk festival and the summer peak season.

But Shetland Inbound will urge local hospitality businesses to innovate alternative attractions such as otter spotting.

Rare otters lurk in the coves of Shetland, rubbing shoulders with the larger seal population.


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