Tourism body VisitScotland has said that the number of German’s visiting Scotland has soared following its recent £1.25m European Touring campaign.

The campaign, fronted by real people living in Scotland featured in photographs of Scots from various walks of life.

Since the launch of the campaign the number of European customers responding to the campaign has exceeded expectation with over 100,000 prospective travellers being added to VisitScotland’s database – over twice the expected number.

Meanwhile, VisitScotland’s foreign language website have recorded 1.1 million visits, an increase of 143 percent.

The campaign worked in partnership with low cost airlines, ferry companies and accommodation providers targeting potential visitors in Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Belgium and the Netherlands.

The dedicated websites appeared in seven languages, and as well as extending an invitation to ‘meet; the Scots and discover more about the country, the sites also showcased things to see in Scotland, as well as touring itineraries, information on events and festivals as well as accommodation and transport deals.

As well as online and offline advertising, supporting the campaign was press and PR activity, as well as e-newsletters and a competition.

Mike Cantlay, chairman of VisitScotland, said: “I am delighted that the European Touring Campaign has already had such a positive impact on the success of these businesses. The German market is particularly important as they are so intrepid in touring to the furthermost parts of Scotland. By revenue, it is our second largest overseas market. While these are undoubtedly challenging times for Scottish tourism businesses, we must be fleet of foot and respond to opportunities like the strength of the German economy with campaigns like this. We know that VisitScotland’s marketing delivers at least £20 return for the Scottish economy for every £1 invested, amounting to over £400 million last year, so this kind of activity is crucial.”