VisitScotland.com has launched an online product for accommodation owners allowing them to create a commercial website which can manage bookings and availability.

The product, dubbed ‘Web in a Box’, will also allow operators to feed product direct into the VisitScotland.com tourist portal.

Marco Truffelli, VisitScotland.com chief executive, said: “The internet continues to revolutionise the way consumers buy tourism in Scotland and around the world.

“It’s vital that Scotland gets ahead of the competition by offering tourists up to date and accurate internet-based information which enables them to be engaged, informed and persuaded.

VisitScotland.com claims accommodation owners can create a website in less than 90 minutes, including setting up feeds into the VisitScotland.com portal.

“We are encouraging those getting involved to develop their own online marketing packages with local attractions, experiences or travel companies so the visitor has lots of information live and online,” Truffelli said.

Product owners will be charged £10 per bed per year and VisitScotland.com will receive a 8% commission on bookings handled via its own portal.

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By Daniel Thomas

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