Islay’s tourist information centre to close
Islay is to lose its tourist information office in Bowmore after VisitScotland announced plans to close all its iCentres throughout Scotland by 2026 as part of a “digital first” strategy.
All VisitScotland information centres will operate as usual until the end of September as part of a phased two-year closure programme “designed to grow the visitor economy by influencing visitors in the planning stage of their trip, before they leave home”.
The national tourism organisation says there will be no compulsory redundancies, with staff having been offered a range of options including reskilling, redeployment and voluntary redundancy.
Announcing the closure plan, a VisitScotland spokesperson said: “It follows significant changes to the way people plan their holidays, with most using online resources and travel specialists to research and book all aspects of their trips. This includes arranging accommodation and activities before they arrive at their destination.
“To adapt to this shift in behaviour, VisitScotland will invest its resources and expertise in a digital-first strategy. It will target channels it knows visitors use to inspire and influence where they go, when they come and what they do, including promoting lesser-known destinations and quieter times of year.
“The new approach will help the national tourism organisation to deliver its core purpose to drive the visitor economy and grow its value to Scotland by reaching more people and influencing visitors from Scotland’s key global markets.
“The way visitors access information is changing, and the sphere of influence has widened far beyond in-person and print media to include social media, influencer marketing, online inspiration and online booking.
“TikTok, YouTube, online travel websites and tools such as AI are among the ways people now find and plan holiday experiences. Similarly, with almost two thirds (64 per cent) of international visitors to Scotland booking as part of a package, the role tour operators and travel agents can play in helping international visitors plan holidays to Scotland has also become increasingly important.”
Following the announcement, Councillor Alastair Redman, policy lead for economic growth, communities and corporate services, said: “Tourism is a key part of the Argyll and Bute economy, and makes a major contribution to sustaining communities in rural and island areas.
“It is very disappointing that such a significant decision has been made without consultation with local communities, and apparently no recognition given of the wider role these centres perform, connecting local communities with visitors.
“It is welcome that there will be no compulsory redundancies, but we know that communities would want a commitment to local jobs being safeguarded through remote working opportunities.
“The loss of the visitor centre on Rothesay is a particular concern as it sustains the historic Winter Gardens that was subject to a recent refurbishment at considerable public cost.
“This building occupies a prominent location in Rothesay’s historic waterfront and contains the island cinema which is an important community asset.
“There is a need for full clarity over the future of this building before any proposed closure as it performs an important multi-functional role for the local community.
“Tourism is not only for tourists. It is also for the people and communities who make Scotland’s tourism possible. VisitScotland has a responsibility to local people as well as to our tourists.”
Councillor Robin Currie, Argyll and Bute Council’s leader, is writing to VisitScotland’s senior management to ask for a meeting to discuss the plans for all four centres in Argyll and Bute – Oban, Rothesay, and Craignure on Mull, as well as Bowmore on Islay.