DO you feel cosagach? If not, you're missing out, according to tourism bosses.

VisitScotland claims the Gaelic term means "that feeling of being snug, sheltered or cosy" and could rival the Danish concept of hygge.

All about warmth and comfort, the hygge fad sparked the sales of lifestyle books about the importance of blankets, throw rugs and jumpers in 2016.

Now the holiday body says a cosagach trend could do the same thing in 2018, putting Scotland in the spotlight and attracting an increase in winter visitors to spend their cash in the country's snuggest pubs and cafes.

In its 2018 trends paper, the body's Insight Department states: "Cosagach can be achieved in all seasons, but it's winter when it comes into its own.

"Scotland can have, at times, rather harsh and ferocious weather. In the winter when the storms rage and the waves crash against the rocks, there is nothing more satisfying that being curled up in front of the fire, book and hot toddy in hand, listening to the weather."

Citing the concept of cosagach as a means of "creating a 365 day tourism season", it suggests that business owners ensure their premises "induce a feeling of warmth or cosiness".

However, some Gaelic speakers were unconvinced by the pitch, with The National's columnist Calum MacLeoid pointing out that the term cosagach also means "full of holes or crevices".

The trends paper also identifies "elemental" tourism, "wellness" and "retro-tainment" as other potential drivers of new visitor traffic.

Elemental tourism is said to provide an opportunities for business to "utilise nature's playgrounds" and attract holidaymakers away from busy Skye or the popular North Coast 500 trail by promoting "undsicovered natural beauty spots" through social media and removing walls from accommodation that "blur" the view.

It is claimed that this will "combat overcrowding, tackle capacity issues and address the balance of tourism provision across the rest of Scotland's unique and beautiful destinations".

Meanwhile, retro-tainment is about providing "nostalgic experiences" for customers and wellness seeks to tie into the consumer's desire for both physical and spiritual wellbeing. Advisors suggest spas, religious buildings and leisure providers are tuned to this "vibe".

Chris Greenwood, senior tourism insight manager at VisitScotland, said tourism is "increasingly sensitive to consumer trends and economic conditions". He added: "In today’s rapidly changing world, having an informed outlook is vital.

“Our annual trends review has highlighted key trends developing within the tourism sector for the coming year, with the intangible link between the visitor and landscape set to play a significant role.”