Blairgowrie and East Perthshire Tourist Association

I was recently invited to take the last place on a committee of a local tourist association representing Blairgowrie and East Perthshire. I can not deny that I was honoured to be asked but I have had my fingers burned in the past with committees and did not want to revisit that particular hell. Their efficiency depends entirely on who else is at the table, and especially who is at the top of it. Egos and chatterboxes are strictly not welcome.

Some wise man said; to vote, a committee should be an odd number, but three is really too many.

So it was with some apprehension that I took my seat. BEPTA (Blairgowrie and East Perthshire Tourist Association) is actually a rare committee. One of hardworking professional and committed people. We all have experience of tourism in different ways, so the whole spectrum is evenly represented. The offices are held by people who weren't crow barred into it and everyone keeps the focus of the area and membership in mind. This is the committee for me. I actually want to be there and do my bit.

The membership is well beyond 100 and ever growing; as the new girl I would like to earn my place by drawing in 3 new members a month until the end of the year. With rates that vary between £30 and £55 a year depending on the size of business, it is well worth it.

Activities of BEPTA include attendance at top level trade shows, advertising in various publications, promotions both local and UK wide and representation on local council projects. Places that are just simply unrealistic for small operations.

There are plenty of marketing gimmicks out there making wild promises and charging 10 times as much. Some of them may even persuade you, I know I have fallen for some myself but BEPTA is £35 we spent wisely.

If anyone would be interested in learning more, please get in touch, I would strongly recommend it to anyone involved in tourism however slightly, in the Tayside area.

I have been told that I should start a blog. So here it is.
I hope for everyone's sake I find it easier to navigate than facebook. I will post something more interesting soon, but for now I shall just leave these few underwhelming sentences.

For anyone who may read this up, trust me my posts will get more interesting.
Surely not! I hear you exclaim.

best wishes
Verity