As the Capital of the Highlands, Inverness has strong tourism and retail appeal. The city is the primary retail destination for an area the size of Belgium and Inverness is the third most visited tourist destination in Scotland.

A well managed and promoted city centre will be able to make the most of these opportunities. We are fortunate in having a broad appeal, meaning that our fortunes are not inextricably tied to any one factor. With the credit crunch bringing challenging times to retailers nationwide, we can work on our tourism appeal to make sure the tills keep on ringing locally.

Readers of this paper will have recently seen the proposals for a major new hotel and residential developments in South Kessock and by the river in Inverness. Whether or not these proposals proceed, the fact that investors are prepared to put the time, money and effort into developing such ideas shows that "smart money" has realised the potential our city has for both indigenous growth and for attracting more tourists.

Whilst VisitScotland might do a great job promoting the country as a whole, what more can we do to ensure that our visitors spend more time and money in the city rather than simply using us as a jumping off point?

The answer is, perhaps, staring us in the face. Provost Bob Wynd, speaking at a recent Rotary lunch, put his finger on the obvious international selling point for Inverness that is Nessie. Our own, iconic, world-wide brand: sitting on our doorstep waiting for her champion to come and celebrate her. Perhaps one of the heavies from our award-winning Highland Games will come to her aid?

With the year of Homecoming fast approaching in 2009, and the Olympics in 2012, the UK will be on the world stage. We must work to ensure that visitors know that their visit will not be complete without a trip to spot Nessie and the gateway to Nessie is Inverness.

Mention of The Monster locally raises many a wry smile as if we are not keen to embrace our own legend. Nessie notoriously failed to show at the Monster Street party in 2007. Perhaps we can find an event where she will make an appearance — albeit by proxy if not in the flesh, and we can use this iconic legend to put Inverness ever more on the map.

Some may think this an eccentric idea, but the business planning behind it is deadly serious. Property investors are seeing the potential for growth in tourism locally. We as a business community can also seize this opportunity. Our new Inverness Business Improvement District can work in partnership with all who have an interest in the future vitality of our city and region to initiate events and promote ourselves as the family friendly destination where people (and monsters!) of all shapes and sizes feel welcome and know they will have a great time.

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