If tourism failed there would be a £19 billion hole in Scotland’s economy
Talking to Vision on Sustainable Tourism at the annual VisitScotland Expo, Mike Cantlay, Visit Scotland’s chairman emphasized Scotland’s sustainable credentials.
He said what a great benefit Scotland’s environment was to visitors, how much the economy benefitted from tourism, what great cultural events Scotland was to have in the coming year – and what the positive social impacts would come from the Commonwealth games.
Clearly, with another massive ‘Homecoming’ event, the Ryder Cup, a Forth Bridge festival and the Commonwealth Games – Scotland is in for a big year. Maybe a record-breaking one.
Mr Cantlay was talking at VisitScotland Expo which, this year has pledged to be greener – committing to minimize its environmental impact, highlighting green tourism businesses, reducing waste, sourcing products and food locally
Over 250 Scottish tourism businesses exhibited to hundreds of tour operators from all over the world at the expo, which took place in Glasgow earlier this month.
Now in its 35th year, the event provides an opportunity for face-to-face meetings with those who organise group trips to Scotland.
In addition to the trade show, VisitScotland has organised a series of FAM trips for ‘foreign’ buyers. These excursions, which take place throughout Scotland both before and after the event, allow UK and international tour operators to experience Scotland first-hand and include the destination on travel itineraries for their own customers.
Valere Tjolle
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