Blue Skye should get us thinking on tourism
ISLANDERS in Skye are fed up cleaning up the mess made by tourists. Reports this week say the debris left behind by visitors even includes human excrement in some lay-bys.
It’s beyond belief that people attracted by the breathtaking landscape of Skye would trash it when they get there.
It is, of course, a small minority of those who come, but enough to make an unpleasant impression.
A tourism levy has been suggested by some as a way to recoup money to tackle the impact of the visitors.
As the convenor of the Scottish Parliament committee responsible for scrutinising tourism matters, this is a topic of great interest.
Tourism is a huge Scottish success story that contributes millions to economic growth. Revenue and numbers are up. The expectation is that it can and should grow more.
But it is not only Skye that feels the pressure from these numbers.
In some parts of Scotland, single-track roads are pounded by the traffic of thousands of motorhomes. In Edinburgh, the traffic hardly moves at all.
Meanwhile, the huge rise in short-term flat lets in the capital is depopulating the city centre, while causing problems for those residents who are left.
Then there is the impact on the tourism offering itself. Are we catering for the tourists after they arrive? Are there enough places to eat? Sleep? Or just go to the toilet, as has been noted in Skye?
Are we targeting the right type of tourist – those who spend significant sums without making a nuisance of themselves?
Some point to Barcelona, a city that led the world in hen and stag short breaks. It decided tourism was too much of a good thing and Catalans reclaimed their capital from rowdy revellers.
The solution isn’t clear-cut. A bedroom tax is regularly proposed but it would unfairly target hotels.
What about self-catering, mobile homes and Airbnb?
One could argue that these attract tourists but create fewer jobs. On the other hand, local people in low-wage jobs can supplement their incomes by renting out rooms.
All this needs examined. It’s great that Scotland welcomes the world. But there’s a price for being popular. We need to figure out who pays it.