Highlands 'top of the wish list' for domestic tourism
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The Highlands remain "top of the wish list" for domestic tourism within Scotland, councillors have been told.
VisitScotland's regional director Chris Taylor made the comment while addressing the first meeting of Highland Council’s new tourism committee, held virtually.
Mr Taylor told councillors about the work being done to market Scotland for the remainder of the season and how the national tourism organisation was supporting and advising businesses and visitors.
There has been a strong focus on the staycation market as the tourism sector reopens following the easing of lockdown.
“We commend the community spirit that has come through in recent weeks as we work with local community groups," Mr Taylor told councillors.
He explained that the Highlands remained top of the wish list in Scotland as the number one destination for the domestic market, with people citing the landscapes, coastline and open spaces as their main reasons for wishing to visit.
"Our new marketing campaign, Only in Scotland, is appealing to visitors that they can do a lot on their own doorstep which will aid the economic recovery while travelling and visiting safely,” Mr Taylor added.
Councillors were told about Scotland’s new national tourism strategy.
A report highlighted that, while some elements of tourism are restarting, there is still a large amount of uncertainty around how quick the recovery will be and what tourism might look like in the "new normal".
Recent work to produce a tourism infrastructure plan to identify gaps in facilities and services for visitors to the Highlands was welcomed by councillors. A draft tourism infrastructure plan will be presented to a future meeting of the committee.
Councillor Maxine Smith (Cromarty Firth) was appointed as chairperson and Councillor Gordon Adam (Black Isle) as vice-chairperson.
Councillor Smith said: “I look forward to working with fellow councillors, the vice-chair and council officers to address the tourism challenges that face our communities as we come out of lockdown and into the future. It is vital that we work closely with local and national partners to ensure that the Highlands remain welcoming and safe during the economic recovery of the region.”
