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  6. How Ardardan Estate work with the travel trade

How Ardardan Estate work with the travel trade

4 minute read • Last updated: 10 March 2025

Ardardan Estate, a family-run destination in Argyll, has evolved from a working farm into a thriving visitor attraction offering a farm shop, tearoom and walled garden experiences. Rooted in a strong sense of place and a passion for people, the team is always looking for ways to grow while staying true to their values. 

We spoke with Sue Aikman who runs the business development and marketing side of the operation and heard about their experiences of engaging with the travel trade. 
 
Learn how Ardardan Estate developed new experiences, connected with the travel trade and used networking opportunities to reach the right visitors — and how this helped shape a product they’re proud to offer to international guests. 

In this article:

  • Working with the Travel Trade 
  • Networking and travel trade events 
  • What's in the future 

Working with the Travel Trade 

Customers in a trailer take pictures of cows

Tractors tours of the farm at Ardardan Estate

© Ardardan Estate

"Through trial runs with some special regular customers we have refined our tour to create an experience that we would love to do and we are extremely proud to host!''

Sue and her family are proud Scots and love to show visitors the best their region offers. They want to showcase what food and drink Scotland produces. And they also want their visitors to experience the amazing  welcome that Scotland is known for.  

It wasn’t long before they saw an opportunity to grow the business by working with the travel trade. “We are delighted to work with travel trade partners to reach the right visitors who will enjoy our experience and part of the world.” 

 

How they got started

Ardardan Estate has been working informally with local businesses by running tours for years.  

“We found that from feedback from visitors in our busy farm shop and tearoom that there was a demand and that creating a farm experience product would work.” 

The next step was developing new products. They wanted to create experiences that showed visitors all they offer at the Estate.  

To shape the experience, they: 

  • took part in excursions to research different types of tours
  • spoke to as many people as possible to understand the best approach
  • developed the ‘Highland Coo with a View’ experience

“This is a brilliant insight into our farm incorporating a tour on our tractor & trailer to meet our cows, other animals on the farm and get brilliant pictures with our amazing natural landscape backdrop.” 

Sue also highlighted the role of food and drink in the experience: 

“Food is a huge part of everything we do at Ardardan so we are delighted to be able to treat all guests to breakfast on arrival and enjoy a browse around our farm and gift shop too.” 

Networking and travel trade events 

“Attending networking events with VisitScotland has been invaluable. This allowed us to gain insight into the industry as well as learn about what different travel trade partners were looking for and also to be able to meet representatives from the travel trade.  These events have been a great opportunity that we are very grateful for.” 

Benefits of attending events included: 

  • learning what different travel trade partners look for 
  • making new industry contacts 
  • gaining valuable insight into the sector   

“As yet we haven't got any contracts or visits in the pipeline but after attending lots of VisitScotland events last year and making lots of contacts from different travel trade partners we hope to be able to look to bookings for the next season.”  

What's in the future 

Products from Ardandan Estate

Products from Ardandan Estate

© Ardandan Estate

We hope to gain relationships with some key travel trade partners and hope that we can work not only on a one off basis but give partners the confidence to bring repeat visitors to our wee part of the world.  We will be proud to promote Scotland, our animals and our family. 

 

Advice for other businesses

From her experience of working with the travel trade so far Sue said: "our main advice would be to go for it! Don't think too much but get a product together and be open to adapt as you gain experience and information from experts in the travel trade industry.

How to work with a partner

Working with a travel distribution partner can help you bring your unique product to more customers and generate more revenue for your business.

It takes time to develop a partnership with a distribution partner. Our series of practical articles and videos will help you build a mutually beneficial relationship for years to come.

Selling through travel distribution partners

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