Malcolm drops in for tea and tourism
Arran was the first port of call for VisitScotland chief executive Malcolm Roughead as part of his national tea and tourism tour.
Kickstarting the annual tour of destination tourism industry players, Mr Roughead met VisitArran board members at the Auchrannie Resort, where a number of tourism-related issues and strategies were discussed.
The main topic of discussion was a digital strategy for Arran, operational sustainability and the priorities for VisitArran over the next six months.
Mr Roughead praised VisitArran for its recent accomplishments which included winning the working together for tourism award at the Scottish Thistle Awards national final in March, in which its ‘strong working ethos’ and ‘creative partnership working’ was commended by the judges.
The organisation’s innovative collaboration in launching the ArranCard in 2017, which has already generated £11,000 in sales in the first year, was also highlighted by the judges as a fantastic example of partnership working
Mr Roughead said: ‘Tourism is at the very heart of economic success in Scotland.
‘It is integral to sustaining communities such as Arran by generating income, creating jobs and stimulating social change across the region.
‘I have enjoyed meeting and speaking directly to the hard working team at VisitArran who have demonstrated great success at putting the island on the map as a quality visitor destination.
‘From its breathtaking scenery, unique culture and heritage, world-class golf and sailing, not to mention its fantastic food and drink, the Isle of Arran really does offer the visitor a diverse range of great experiences.
‘Last week, we launched the first ever collaborative global campaign – Scotland is Now – and the Isle of Arran is a perfect example of a region rich in history and heritage but forging forward in a way that is progressive, pioneering and inclusive.’
VisitArran executive director Sheila Gilmore said: ‘We are delighted to welcome Malcolm to Arran and to our board meeting. This will give us all an opportunity to more greatly understand how we can work together in the future, and perhaps highlight some key issues that destination organisations address in day-to-day delivery.’ The tour will continue at a number of locations across Scotland and will allow tourism organisations and businesses the opportunity to speak directly to the VisitScotland chief executive.