Plans for Highland tourism’s recovery following the coronavirus pandemic as the Highland Tourism Partnership brings together destination organisations and partners from across the region to work collectively for the long-term benefit of the whole area
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New plans have been announced which aim at a collective way forward for the Highland tourism industry following the coronavirus pandemic.
The Highland Tourism Partnership (HTP) is bringing together destination organisations and partners from across the region to work collectively for the long-term benefit of the whole area.
Organisations involved include: North Coast 500 Ltd; VisitScotland; Highland Council; NatureScot; Wester Ross Tourism; Venture North; Visit Inverness Loch Ness; Cairngorms Business Partnership; Visit Moray Speyside; Skye Connect; and Lochaber ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’.
Tom Campbell, the executive chairman of North Coast 500 Ltd, said: “I’m delighted that the Highland Tourism Partnership is demonstrating the strength of activity across all areas of the Highlands to attract visitors who are critically important to the economy, sustainability and growth of communities.
“From small groups in the north Highlands to the large area tourism groups we are, collectively and individually working together and building on the huge success that’s already been achieved in making the Highlands of Scotland a jewel for Scottish tourism.”
Frazer Coupland, the HTP chairman, said: “The Highland Tourism Partnership has reconvened with a very clear intention. We want to make sure that visitors to the Highlands have fantastic experiences, while also making sure that we balance that with community expectation and care for our iconic Highland location.”
Chris Taylor, VisitScotland’s regional director said: “This last year has been the most challenging ever for tourism businesses across the country. We know however, that tourism is very resilient and will bounce back again helping to create vibrancy in our towns and cities, supporting businesses and creating much-needed employment in our communities.
“We can only achieve this by working together and I am delighted to be working with tourism leaders across Highland, through the Highland Tourism Partnership, to make sure we grab the opportunities ahead of us, and manage tourism in a responsible way that creates real benefits for everyone.”
The HTP collectively represents more than 2000 Highland businesses, from across all sectors involved in tourism, including hotels, B&Bs, visitor attractions, guided tours, and food and drink firms.
The partnership works to inform and influence national tourism policy and supports sustainable development through the Scottish Tourism Alliance.
