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Visit Scotland Launches £600,000 New Sustainable Tourism Programme
Friday, 09 Feb, 2010
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See Vision interview with John Swinney MSP:www.travelmole.tv/watch_vdo.php
See Vision interview with Philip Riddle:www.travelmole.tv/watch_vdo.php
How Sustainable is your Business? Aims to inform 1,000 Scottish Tourist businesses with £600,000 European Regional Development Fund Money
Scotland aims to be the most sustainable destination in Europe by 2015.
VisitScotland launched its first sustainable tourism programme today to help businesses understand how sustainable practices can improve their bottom line and in turn aid into growth in Scottish tourism.
Today’s launch at the new John Hope Gateway in Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Gardens marks the start of a series over 20 free seminars and workshops being held throughout 2010. Workshops are taking place across Scotland to encourage the maximum number of businesses to take part but minimising the impact of travel.
The Scottish government says it knows that the environment plays a large part in why people come to Scotland. VisitScotland research shows that this is a huge draw – visitors from Denmark, Spain and the US listing it as their top reason to visit from their recent Visitor Experience survey.
Three quarters of visitors also feel that Scotland protects and cares for its natural environment.
With millions of people coming to Scotland because of the landscapes and scenery and increasing pressure for businesses to show sustainable practices to visitors, Scotland feels that it has the opportunity to take a lead in line with the Scottish Government’s plans to establish Scotland as Europe’s most sustainable destination by 2015.
Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, John Swinney, launched today’s programme supported by ERDF funding, with the unveiling of a new booklet, ‘Sustainable Tourism for Dummies to Sustainability’ – produced in partnership with the Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Enterprise, Keep Scotland Beautiful, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs and Cairngorms National Park, Scottish Environment Link.
Mr Swinney said: “Sustainable development is at the heart of this Government’s purpose and it is something we all need to recognise as the way forward. Encouraging tourism businesses to incorporate sustainable practices will produce cost savings, and attract the environmentally-conscious visitor to view Scotland as a must-see, must-return destination.”
Aiming to attract participation from more than 1,000 businesses, the programme is working in partnership with some twenty organisations across Scotland to demonstrate the value of sustainability. Sustainable tourism isn’t just about being ‘green’ and protecting the environment, it also addresses the economic and social issues facing businesses – helping to create a sustainable community and in turn ensuring that visitors have a great experience when they come to Scotland.
Each workshop will features a range of topic including: waste, water, energy use, community engagement and local and seasonal procurement They will combine advice from experts and local sustainability champions, sustainability surgeries and one to one mentoring sessions.
Philip Riddle, Chief Executive, VisitScotland said: “Tourism growth is critical to the future of Scotland. Sustainable tourism aims to ensure that economic development as a result of tourism is a positive experience for everyone involved; the local community, tourism businesses and visitors.”
“These workshops will help equip tourism businesses across the country with the information they need to minimise the impact of their activities on the environment and community, whilst securing economic growth and importantly we are working in partnership with many organisations across Scotland to help promote the benefit of sustainability.”
“At the same time, we are developing our own Sustainable Tourism Strategy to ensure VisitScotland is recognised as a leader in sustainable tourism development through our internal operations, engaging with visitors, businesses and working in partnership with key tourism players.”
Valere Tjolle
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