Progress on Caithness and Sutherland tourism recovery plan
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Community, tourism and hospitality leaders gathered at Lairg Community Centre to discuss the development and delivery of destination recovery plans for the region.
Led by Venture North, the destination management organisation that promotes responsible tourism in the far north Highlands, the “Destination Update” was the first in-person event following the organisation’s extensive consultations around the region last summer and part of ongoing events throughout the year.
The events are being organised specifically by Venture North for tourism and hospitality businesses within Caithness and Sutherland; local community organisations; development trusts; and key tourism stakeholders. Venture North was tasked to lead the development and delivery of the Tourism Destination Recovery Strategy in 2021, alongside core funding support provided by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd and other funding partners over the next three years.
Cathy Earnshaw, destination strategy manager for Venture North, said: “It’s great to see such positive progress being made around the development and delivery of the Tourism Destination Recovery Strategy in collaboration with our community and industry partners across the Caithness and Sutherland region. As we move into year two of the strategy, we’ll continue to work with our local communities, stakeholders and partners across the region and nationally.
“We’ll also continue the conversation around the staffing crisis, what net zero means for our businesses and communities, and how best we communicate with the region.
“We’d like to thank all those who presented and to everyone who participated in our first in-person ‘Destination Update’ event on May 17 and look forward to seeing everyone at our next update. ”
Chris Taylor, regional leadership director for VisitScotland, provided an industry update, including what the organisation has been doing in adaptive and responsible marketing, tourism trends, data gathering plans and working collaboratively with Venture North and other destination management organisations.
Special guest, Ruari Watt, from Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland, discussed the Sutherland Bike Plan and how it could deliver more sustainable and active travel options.
