EventScotland has revealed that the inaugural Rally of Scotland, which will form part of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, is expected to provide a £2.6m boost to the Stirling and Perth and Kinross economy.

The three-day event, which is scheduled to take place between 19 and 21 November, is expected to attract around 30,000 spectators to the region, with an additional 15,000 visitors from overseas set to benefit local tourism, hospitality and leisure businesses. Scotland has secured the event for a three-year period, and it is hoped that the predicted influx of visitors to the Stirling and Perth and Kinross areas will help to boost occupancy during a period that is traditionally quiet for hotel and guesthouse operators.

Set against the backdrop of some of Scotland's most iconic landmarks, including Stirling and Blair Castles, EventScotland hopes more UK and overseas visitors will be encouraged to explore local visitor attractions, as well as increasing the number of mountain bikers and walkers in the forests along the rally's route. Paul Bush, chief operating officer at EventScotland, said: "The route for 2009, our year of Homecoming, will do justice to our heritage and spectacular scenery. Spectators will not only be able to witness three action-packed days of live motor sport, but also some of the nation's most iconic landmarks."