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The chief executive of the Scottish Tourism Forum quits due to financial pressure on the industry body.

Story From the Scotsman
THE chief executive of Scottish tourism’s main industry body has quit after a cash crisis brought it to the brink of collapse.

The number of visitors to Scotland from other parts of the UK has increased in the past year, according to VisitScotland.

It said the strength of the "staycation" market had helped boost Scotland's economy.

Between January and June 2011, domestic tourism to Scotland rose by 6% the same period in 2010.

The total number of visits to Scotland, including those from outside the UK, rose by 4%.

Visitor spend for the half-year was estimated at £1.7bn.

Tourism in Scotland is heavily dependent on domestic visitors from England, Wales and Northern Ireland. They account for 84% of all trips to Scotland.

VisitScotland's chief executive Malcolm Roughead said: "These figures are very encouraging, particularly as other destinations across the globe are struggling to attract visitors.

"Earlier this year, we launched a major UK campaign, including a stronger focus on the Scottish market, and this is starting to pay dividends.

"However, we must not be complacent. The industry is still suffering from the global economic downturn and we need to continue to promote Scotland in key markets."


“Start Quote
The industry is still suffering from the global economic downturn and we need to continue to promote Scotland in key markets”
Malcolm Roughead - VisitScotland

 

From the BBC

Around £14.3 million of European funding is to be invested to support Scotland's tourism sector, sustainable public transport, develop SMEs, build links between research and business and provide training opportunities.

VisitScotland Chairman and V&A at Dundee Director hail £45 million project

The Chairman of VisitScotland, Mike Cantlay, was in Dundee today (Wednesday, 27 July) to meet Philip Long, the recently appointed Director of V&A at Dundee.

A recently formed business partnership is aiming to attract thousands more golfers to ‘stay and play’ in the Highlands following a £50,000 cash boost from VisitScotland.

Highland Golf Links, which comprises Castle Stuart Golf Links, Royal Dornoch Golf Club, The Nairn Golf Club, Culloden House Hotel and Royal Golf Hotel in Dornoch, was successful in its bid for a VisitScotland Growth Fund award to assist with marketing and to boost its online presence.

A multi-million pound sailing initiative on Scotland’s west coast was given a new identity today as part of a major marketing drive. The MalinWaters brand forms part of Sail West, a £6.3 million collaboration of more than 20 partners from the West of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland.

The BBC reported on a story where a council is being asked to approve a funding package to support a £3m project. The project is designed to boost tourism accross the south of Scotland.

The study, the largest of its kind ever undertaken, examines the social, cultural, media and economic impacts of the 12 core festivals.

The study reconfirms the huge impact the festivals have on the Edinburgh and Scottish economy (£260 million per annum) and in particular on the tourism sector.

Press release from Scottish Enterprise

A plan to transform a key development zone around Edinburgh airport into a global centre for transport and international business could inject up to £4.4 billion into Scotland’s economy, it was announced today, 14 July 2011 by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth.