How to create business listings

8 minute read• Last updated: 3 February 2026

Listing your business on tourism marketing websites gives you exposure to a global audience actively seeking Scottish travel experiences.

There are many different platforms which you can feature your business on for free and further amplify your online presence.

Explore our guidance on listings and getting the most out of them to attract more customers and stand apart from your competitors.

Where to list your business

visitscotland.com

At the start of this year, we introduced a new map feature powered by the Google Maps Platform. This will allow customers to discover tourism businesses and points of interest across Scotland using text search, intuitive category filters, and interactive map tools.

Businesses with Google Business Profiles will no longer need to maintain separate business listings on visitscotland.com, saving time and simplifying updates.

Visitors can continue exploring in Google Maps or navigate directly to business websites or booking platforms. This change responds directly to visitor needs and sees our previous listings and product search retired, which includes the accommodation availability search.

Google Business Profile and Google Holiday Rentals

A Google Business Profile listing is free and ensures your business appears prominently in Google Search and Maps.

If you're a self-catering operator then you can list your property with Google Holiday Rentals.

Find out more about eligibility, how to set up a listing, and how to keep it up-to-date in our Google Business Profile guide.

A cruise ship docked at pier. Passengers are getting onboard silhouetted against the light from a set sun. — Cruise Loch Lomond
© VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale

Tour listings

Designed with help from Scottish tour providers, we have a dedicated system that allows you to create multiple tours. You can add special features to these, such as destinations, starting points and transport types.

Find out more and sign up for a tour listing with our tour management system guide.

Event listings

If you have an event that is likely to appeal to visitors that you’d like to promote, then why not feature it on visitscotland.com – it’s completely free.

The site is seen by 22 million visitors a year and available in multiple languages meaning it’s a great way to increase an upcoming event’s exposure to visitors to your area.

Submit your event for visitscotland.com.

Online travel agents (OTAs)

OTAs are companies who offer a range of travel products and packages including accommodation, tours, attractions and activities.

Popular accommodation OTAs include:

Popluar experience OTAs include:

For more information on working with OTAs.

A smiling lady poses in front of a Highland cow while her photo is taken by someone with mobile phone. — Thorabella Farm, Moray
© VisitScotland / Allan Myles

Tripadvisor

With 490 million average monthly users, Tripadvisor aggregates information and reviews on attractions and businesses.

Check whether there is already a listing for your business and claim it as soon as possible – a listing is created when a customer leaves a review. Tripadvisor only allows one listing per property, so you should always claim the existing listing.

Follow the steps to claim ownership of your Tripadvisor business listing.
If your business does not appear on Tripadvisor yet, you can follow the steps to create a Tripadvisor listing.
Tripadvisor does not have direct listings for accommodation that are for exclusive holiday rental (eg self-catering).

Local Destination Management Organisations (DMOs)

Many regions, such as the Highlands or Aberdeenshire, have their own DMOs like VisitCairngorms, VisitAberdeenshire or Scotland Starts Here, often featuring dedicated business listings, event calendars, and social media promotions.

Accessible tourism sites

If you've been working on the accessibility and inclusivity of your business, highlight this by listing on dedicated platforms such as Euan’s Guide. This shows a commitment to responsible and accessible tourism, appealing to visitors with specific needs. Other accessibility directories include AccessAble and Tourism For All.

Sector associations and groups

Some sector associations have their own websites and members can list their business – examples include Museums Galleries Scotland and Scotland’s Best B&Bs.

Find out more about sector partners.

What to include in any business listing

It is vital that you check all your web listings regularly, keeping all information and links updated and accurate. Offering clear, accurate information helps visitors feel confident about connecting with you.

Contact details
Clearly display your business address, email, and website links, making sure details are consistent across all platforms, particularly your location which puts a marker on a map to show your exact whereabouts.
Opening times
Always make sure your opening times are up-to-date including seasonal openings, days of the week and times of the day.
Compelling visuals
Businesses that use more visuals will often get more customer engagement. Use high-quality images and video to highlight what you offer. Show customers what it would be like to visit your business and enjoy your experience. Think "romantic", "family-friendly" or “mouth-watering meals”.
Highlight responsibility
Showcase responsible tourism initiatives, such as eco-friendly accommodation, local sourcing of products, or sustainable wildlife and heritage experiences.
Booking integration
Check if you can include a booking link. This streamlined approach encourages higher conversion rates and helps potential customers book with confidence.
Property specifics
You might have to provide extra information depending on the type of business you want to list. For example, a hotel may have to submit its check-in procedure, minimum stay requirement, price range and other specific details.
Accessible features
Provide clear and accurate information about your accessibility features so that customers can make an informed decision about whether you are the right inclusive business for them.

Best practice examples

It's always a good idea to compare other businesses' listings with your own and see what you can learn from them.

Take a look at these Google Business Profiles.

Search for Blervie House, Forres

Search for The Invergarry, Aboyne

Search for Kinclune House, Kirriemuir

Search for Amber Restaurant, Edinburgh

Search for Riverside Museum, Glasgow

Search for Dundonald Castle, Kilmarnock

Search for Camera Obscura, Edinburgh

Examples of best practice on their profiles include:

business descriptions filled out
reviews responded to
good use of imagery
linking to other experiences in the area
including their social channel links
posting updates to opening times
food & drink menu
‘reserve a table’ function

Catch up on our Power of Google webinars

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The power of Google: claim and enhance your profile

Discover the essential steps to claim and verify your listing, ensuring your business appears accurately across Google Search and Maps.

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Getting visible with Google Holiday Rentals

Find out how to list your self-catering business with Google Holiday Rentals and improve your visibility online.

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