Euro praise for park’s green tourism project

Cairngorms‘leading the way in Scotland’ say judges

Cairngorms National Park has been given an internationally-renowned status for its sustainable tourism.

The park has been re-awarded the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas and is the only place in Scotland to hold the title.

To mark the award the park authority were invited to a special ceremony at the European Parliament in Brussels last week.

Vice-convener Brian Wood said: “It’s a phenomenal achievement to have been awarded the charter for the third time and an honour to be chosen to showcase our work to our counterparts in Europe.

“Achieving charter status has only been possible due to the hard work and collaboration of a wide range of people. It is a true example of partnership working at its best.”

The award comes after two Europarc assessors spent three days in the Cairngorms during the summer, when they noted the investment made to the park’s path network and developing the Snow Road.

The assessors also agreed the park worked well with businesses and the community in developing proposals for the national park and gave advice on how the park can move forward over the next five years.

Paul Easto, chair of the Cairngorms Tourism Partnership, said: “I am delighted that the Cairngorms National Park has once again received this important award.

“This is a meaningful endorsement of the national park being a very special place in which to live and visit.

“Within the last year there has been significant publicity in Scotland and elsewhere about the need to develop and grow tourism destinations in a sustainable way.

“Tourism is hugely important to the local economy of the national park.

“We want to continue to develop, promote and manage tourism in a responsible manner, attracting visitors from home and overseas while looking after the natural and cultural assets that make the park such a great place to experience.”

Carol Ritchie of Europarc said: “The Cairngorms National Park is leading the way in Scotland, with a strong local partnership focus to sustainable tourism that will deliver for people and for nature.

“Importantly their connection with Europarc and the Charter for Sustainable Tourism gives them access to the best ideas from our European network to bring to their area. We are delighted to see the innovation and progress they have made over the years.”