Amelie Vollmer and Patrick Blomberg from Eskilstuna in Sweden were treated as VIP's when they visited South Ayrshire for three days, after Amelie won a free trip to South Ayrshire.

The opportunity to win the short break arose when staff from South Ayrshire Council's Developing Air Related Tourism (DART) team, and VisitScotland Prestwick staff, spent a day promoting South Ayrshire in Sweden. Amelie entered the a competition run by the Council at Stockholm Central train Station in Sweden to win a free trip to South Ayrshire.

A display stand, promotional video and literature in Swedish were all designed to attract people who were passing through the station to find out more about South Ayrshire. A large number of people were attracted to the stand, and many of the Swedish people were keen to find out as much as they could about South Ayrshire and Scotland.

During the day the representatives highlighted what South Ayrshire has to offer visitors including:

• Scenic beauty from coast to countryside
• Attractions, events and activities for all age groups
• Accommodation to suit various budgets
• An excellent choice of restaurants and eating establishments serving top quality local produce and catering for all tastes

Anyone who visited the display was invited to leave their contact details, so that they could be updated about future events in South Ayrshire. Many people who chose to leave their details said that they were particularly interested in visiting South Ayrshire to see castles and monuments, learn about the heritage of the area, enjoy the stunning scenery, sample the good food and generally relax.

The lucky pair won:

• Return flights from Skavsta Airport, Nykoping, Sweden to Glasgow Prestwick International Airport courtesy of Ryanair
• Airport taxes paid by VisitScotland Prestwick
• Three nights bed and breakfast at the luxurious Enterkine Country House Hotel courtesy of the establishment
• Tickets to the Gaiety Theatre in Ayr for the Ayrshire Philharmonic Opera Society's presentation of "Kiss Me Kate" which were courtesy of South Ayrshire Council.

The Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Andy Hill presented the winners with their complimentary tickets when he met them at the Gaiety Theatre. He said: "It was my pleasure to meet the winner of the competition and her companion. I hope that they will return home and let their friends and family know what a warm welcomes awaits visitors to South Ayrshire.

" The tourism industry is a major part of South Ayrshire's economy and the Council is working to maximise the benefits and opportunities that Prestwick airport can bring to industry and to the economy.

The Council is a Lead Partner in a trans-national European Union funded project aimed at maximising the economic benefit to local areas from regional airports, with a particular focus on tourism. The 'Developing Active Regions and Sustainable Tourism (DART) project aims to promote travel and tourism between participating countries.

November 2005