VisitScotland has joined forces with The Highland Council (THC) to launch a new document designed to show how the region can maximise its tourism potential through public and private sector partnerships.

Over the next two years, it is hoped that the Delivering for the Highlands strategy will help increase tourism in the Highlands by providing details of how both the council and VisitScotland are attempting to promote the area.

Ian Ross, chair of THC's planning, environment and development committee, said: Tourism is the Highlands' most significant industry. The programme for The Highland Council 2009-11 recognises we must all work together to drive tourism forward to achieve sustainable economic growth in the region."

Scott Armstrong, VisitScotland's regional director, added: "In this period of financial uncertainty, it is more vital than ever before for the Scottish tourism industry to pull together in one direction working towards a common goal."