Efforts to transform Perth and Kinross into a must-visit destination have been welcomed.
The area is home to around 700 annual events and a detailed strategy has been developed that could bring in up to £25.5 million each year.
Members of Perth and Kinross Council’s enterprise and infrastructure committee praised the document, before outlining ways it could be further enhanced.
Convener John Kellas told his colleagues there had to be a “keen focus” on things that were happening. He revealed his plans for a poster to be created that would provide visitors and residents with an at-a-glance guide to forthcoming events.
He said: “This is a great way for us to advertise what we have done.
“The first thing that struck me when I saw the list of events was that it gave me a real feeling of ‘wow, is this truly what we do?’
“There are some major events here, which is excellent.”
Councillor Ian Campbell suggested more could be done on a larger scale to publicise the wide range of events that take place across Perth and Kinross. By creating a website he believes that more people could be made aware of what is going on.
“We have stuff on the council website, but with the best will in the world, it isn’t usually your first port of call,” he said.
“I’m just wondering if we should be examining that in a bit more detail.”
Mr Campbell was told an events officer has been recruited. The role is part of the £500,000 the council is investing in the events and festival strategy.
Initially, £300,000 will be spent developing and extensive programme, while a further £200,000 will be made available towards the fixed term appointment of an events officer.
Although it was not mentioned in the report, Councillor Dave Doogan brought up the topic of Perth City Hall. A decision has yet to be made on its future but the preferred option is to demolish the building to make way for a community square.
An action plan is outlined within the strategy and includes identifying opportunities to drive tourism, continuing to engage with event and festival organisers and capitalise on business opportunities offered by major events.
Among those that have been identified as having potential for development are the Kinross Sportive, Highland Perthshire Cycling Festival, Perth Festival of the Arts, the Enchanted Forest and Perthshire Amber.