Reasons to be a member

Boost your visibility and be part of a powerful network shaping tourism in Inverness and Loch Ness.

Marketing & Promotion

  • Comprehensive destination marketing for Inverness and Loch Ness.
  • Business listing on the destination website.
  • Opportunities to be featured in blogs, articles, and social media campaigns.
  • Inclusion in competitions and marketing initiatives.
  • Access to a growing online audience of over 100,000 followers.

Development & Networking

  • Invitations to member networking events to connect and collaborate.
  • Regular newsletters with industry updates.
  • Access to development opportunities for travel trade.
  • Access to webinars, workshops, and industry discussions to grow your knowledge and skills.
  • Representation at travel trade event.

Events & Community

  • Inclusion in the events calendar for business-to-business and business-to-visitor opportunities.
  • Collaboration and networking with other local businesses.
  • Representation on local and national issues that matter to members.
  • Free access to area maps for visitors.
  • Opportunities to promote your business at events.

Opt-in Memberships

Small business example

between £1 - £12,999 rateable value

from £220 +VAT/year

Enquire now for Small Business Membership

Medium business example

between £36k - £59,999 rateable value

from £650 +VAT/year

Enquire now for Medium Business Membership

Large business example

between £85k - £108,999 rateable value

from £1250/year

Enquire now for Large Business Membership

Business Turnover

Contact us with your turnover figures for a membership quote

from £1 upwards/year

Enquire now

Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers to give you confidence! Here are the commonly asked questions and everything you need to know about becoming a member.

VILN is the Tourism Business Improvement District (BID) covering over 1,200 square miles, including Inverness and Loch Ness. We represent more than 400 tourism businesses across 30+ sectors. 
Membership with us provides 

  • A vast range of marketing opportunities.
  • Business development through workshops and webinars.
  • Business representation benefits — helping you grow your visitor traffic.
  • Networking opportunities both within the membership and externally through events and partnerships.
  • Global representation at business tourism and trade shows
  • Be represented on local and national issues to influence policy, and improve infrastructure.

For a full list of our business actions for our membership value, see our current 5 year business plan

There are two types of membership:

Levy-paying Members — businesses that are included in the business plan and vote in the BID ballot. 

Opt-In Members — businesses that aren’t automatically included via levy, but can opt in and receive the same benefits pro rata. 

The fee is based on the rateable value of your business. If you do not have a rateable value, then your turnover is used to determine the appropriate tier. Please see the table below.

Rateable Value Turnover Fee
 £1   -   £12,999            £1  -  £249,999  £220.00 
£13,000   -   £24,999             £250,000   -   £374,999 £320.00
£25,000   -   £35,999      £375,000  -   £549,999 £450.00
£36,000  -   £55,999             £550,000   -   £749,999 £650.00
£56,000  -   £84,999             £750,000  -  £999,999 £900.00
 £85,000   -  £108,999              £1,000,000  -   £1,499,999 £1,250.00
£109,000   -   £149,999            £1,500,000  -   £1,999,999  £1,750.00
£150,000  -  £199,999       £2,000,000  -  £2,749,999        £2,400.00
 £200,000  -   £799,999              £2,750,000  -   £3,499,999 £3,200.00
 £800,000   -   £1,199,999             £3,500,000      ...and above £4,000.00
£1,200,000     ...and above                 £6,000.00

Yes — you can join at any time during the membership year (which runs from 1st April to 31st March). The cost will be calculated pro rata from your joining date. 

The BID area includes several Highland Council wards: Inverness (various wards), Aird & Loch Ness, Culloden & Ardersier. It excludes the part of Inverness covered by the Inverness City Centre BID. 

You will find a detailed map on our "About Us" page

If your business is outside the boundary area, you can still apply for opt-in membership. We review applications on a case-by-case basis to make sure your location allows you to benefit fully, and that your sector complements tourism and our wider membership. Please get in touch — we’d love to hear from you.

First, check your business’s rateable value (or turnover if rateable value not applicable). Then contact us with your enquiry - Click Here. A team member will respond by email with detailed information and the next steps. 

VILN acts as a collective voice for its members on local and national issues: for example, discussions with Highland Council and tourism partners/groups about things like the Transient Visitor Levy; Short‐Term Let licensing; infrastructure or planning issues affecting tourism.

Have some unanswered questions?

We're eager for you to let us know! Please get in touch.

Contact the team
Networking event

What our members say

42 cycling
"Being a member VILN has been hugely valuable for 42Cycling, offering year-round marketing exposure with a strong North American guest focus, member networking and shoulder season opportunities such as Dr Bike sessions benefiting not just 42Cycling, but the community of Inverness. VILN support connects 42Cycling to the wider tourism story of Loch Ness and the Highlands, with Inverness the heart and capital of the Highlands, simply put, it’s your launchpad to a Highland adventure."
Kev Stacey - 42 Cycling
Bill Grant
"I thoroughly enjoy and greatly appreciate the collaborative nature of engaging with VILN."
Bill Grant - Grant Driving Tours Scotland
Rabbies
Rabbie’s is proud to partner with Visit Inverness Loch Ness to highlight the region’s breathtaking landscapes, fascinating history, and vibrant culture. Through our small-group tours, we give visitors authentic experiences while supporting local communities and promoting sustainable travel.
Amy Sutherland - Rabbie's

Don't take our word for it!

Want to know what our current members think about the benefits of being a member of Visit Inverness Loch Ness? Watch this short testimonial video and let them tell you themselves.

 

Who are we and why join us?

Want to know more about being a member of Visit Inverness Loch Ness - watch this short video that highlights who we are and what we do!