Tourism chiefs are aiming to persuade folks Down Under to look to Scotland for their future travels.

Glasgow City Marketing Bureau has joined forces with national tourism organisation VisitScotland to help raise Scotland's profile in Australia and New Zealand.

The drive comes as the Queen's Baton Relay continues to travel around the countries of the Commonwealth ahead of next year's Glasgow Games.

Mike Cantlay, chairman of VisitScotland, said: "The activity planned Down Under is another commitment to capitalise on the opportunity to promote Scotland to the world as the Queen's Baton makes its way around the globe.

"We know that our cousins from Australia and New Zealand are a potentially lucrative market for Scotland, with as many as 45% of Australians claiming Scottish ancestry, so we'll be over there promoting our country to those who have never been home, especially ahead of Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, Homecoming 2014 and Ryder Cup 2014."

The "on-territory" ­promotional visit, which coincides with the Baton Relay, will see travel trade meetings, media opportunities and events take place in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland.

Already Scotland welcomes around 130,000 visitors from Australia and 20,000 from New Zealand each year, contributing a combined total of over £116 million annually to the national economy.

Councillor Gordon Matheson, leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau added: "Australia represents the fourth largest international market for Glasgow and each year, more than 30,000 trips are made by Australian visitors, boosting the city's economy by £10m.

"It is hugely important therefore that we capitalise on the interest in Glasgow as a year-round must visit ­destination that already exists in Australia."

Also participating in the joint mission will be Clyde, the official mascot for the XX Commonwealth Games, Glasgow 2014 Ambassador Gregor Tait and various tour operators.

A dedicated website will go live to coincide with the Australian mission.