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SNP stands for independence from the English government in London because it means more control and powers over political decisions and financial affairs. Obviously we will say that we hope the SNP pump money into tourism but it’s probably not that simple.

We have a quick look at 10 steps outlined by John Swinney, finance minister for the SNP and it seems quite clear that they have a plan to make the most of the already established tourism industry and in fact grow it further.

http://www2.SNP.org/growing_our_tourism_sector
http://voteSNP.com/campaigns/SNP_Manifesto_2011_lowRes.pdf

Growing Scotlands tourism sector

The Scottish National Party has published a list of ten key pledges which a re-elected SNP Government will undertake to boost Scotland's tourism industry. The SNP approach is about creating and protecting jobs in this crucial sector of the economy. The ten-point plan takes an "All Scotland" inclusive approach to tourism development, recognising that joined-up policies across many sectors whichinclude transport, environment, food and drink, communications, culture and international relations – are required to increase the number of visitors.

Some key pledges are:

• A focus on developing and marketing sustainable, all-year-round tourism in line with Scotland's massive potential for overall clean, green development, building on work pioneered by the Scottish-based Green Tourism Business Scheme.
• Using the world-class cultural and sporting events during the next five years – such as the Edinburgh festivals, the Ryder Cup and the Commonwealth Games – to promote Scotland as tourist destination with "something for everyone".
• Using the network of Scottish Food and Drink Ambassadors worldwide and a new "Scottish Food Fans" scheme at home to promote high-quality Scottish food and drink as an integral part of tourism.
• Substantial expansion of super-fast broadband in rural Scotland, with £50 million backing from the Scottish Futures Fund, to allow more effective Internet marketing by Scottish tourist businesses.
• Continuing the fight for lower fuel prices, especially in rural areas, through introduction of a fuel price regulator.
• Continued support for development of new direct air routes to and from Scotland through Scottish Enterprise and regional selective assistance grants.
• Further improvements to Scotland's rail and road infrastructure, including the Borders Railway project and ongoing dualling of the A9, the "road to the Highlands".
• Promoting Scotland as a tourist destination in key emerging markets through the Scottish Government's China and South Asia Engagement Plans
• Commitment to retaining a 5-star system of ratings - where the Scottish system is being rolled out all over the world - in the face of the UK Tourism Minister's preference for an unregulated "Trip Advisor" system.
• Resisting UK Government attempts to impose tax changes detrimental to the Scottish tourist industry.

Scotland's Finance Secretary, John Swinney, said that the SNP is "determined to maximise tourism growth and draw new visitors to Scotland. That tourism promotion will feature heavily in our ‘All Scotland’ approach to marketing Scotland abroad, bringing together important strands including culture, sport, outdoor activities and food and drink."

In 2009 scotland had a homecoming scotland campaign which was about bringing back scots from all over the world and raising awareness. It will be repeated in 2014 aparently and a eries of themed years will aid this. SNP states they want to build on the success of the homecoming. This is perfect timing as the common wealth games will be held in glasgow in 2014 and the ryder cup will also be held here. So from a sporting point of view alot will be done.

The SNP Government has also pledged to continue to invest in developing infrastructure – road, rail, air links and high-speed Internet – theseimprovements will benefit both the people of Scotland and make the country more accessible."

We will try and get an interview with an SNP representative as soon as possible to hear straight from the horses mouth what their immediate, medium and longterm plans are for promoting scotland.

Copied from the SNP manifesto for 2011 elections:

Tourism

"We are determined to maximise tourist growth and draw new visitors to Scotland. Tourism promotion will feature heavily in our ‘All Scotland’ approach to overseas engagement, bringing together important strands including culture, outdoor activities and food and drink.

We want to build on the success of Homecoming 2009 and as we approach the second year of Homecoming in 2014 we will deliver a series of themed years specifically drawing visitors to Scotland to participate in our culture, experience our outdoors and enjoy the celebrations in 2014, the year in which the Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup will put Scotland centre stage in world sporting terms.

We will further develop ancestral tourism, with a particular focus on family history. Scotland already leads the world in the services we offer to family historians and we will look to build on these foundations to draw even more ancestral Scots to our shores. And we will also put renewed effort into promoting cultural tourism.

We will work with some of Scotland’s leading artists as part of a wider initiative to promote Scottish culture abroad; we want these cultural ambassadors to be part of our Big Invitation to the world to visit Scotland. And when tourists come, we will make sure they are aware of the wealth of cultural activity at both a national and local level. Scotland also has huge potential in the growing eco and activity tourism markets and we will continue our support for the expansion of these important sectors."

Dear SNP, we hold you to this and congratulate you on your win.