Tourism businesses ready to plug into an exciting new future

Dundee and Angus to establish itself as a top destination

Tourism businesses have gathered to look to the future as Dundee and Angus stand on the threshold of an exciting new era for the industry.

With the opening of the V&A at Dundee’s Waterfront now firmly on the horizon, delegates at the Dundee and Angus Tourism Conference in Carnoustie’s Golf Hotel focused on the area’s ambition to make the most of what was described as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to position the east of Scotland as one of the top tourism destinations in the UK.

Tourism chiefs also revealed a new weapon in their high technology arsenal aimed at attracting visitors from across the globe – a virtual reality tour of dozens of top Scots destinations, including the historic RRS Discovery.

Representatives from more than 100 local businesses participated in the conference, delivered by Dundee City Council, Angus Council, Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce and VisitScotland.

VisitScotland chief executive Malcolm Roughead showcased to delegates the recently launched ScotlandVR app which allows users to take a virtual tour of 26 top attractions nationwide.

“ScotlandVR is our first venture into virtual reality as we look at new and creative ways to inspire holidaymakers to our shores,” he said.

“The way visitors access information is changing all the time, the Scottish tourism industry needs to embrace new technology, innovation and new ways of working if it wants to compete in a competitive global market.”

He added: “Tourism is more than a holiday experience. It creates jobs and sustains communities in every corner of the country, all year round and is at the heart of the Scottish economy.”

Guest speakers at the event included Tom Campbell, managing director of the North Coast 500 tourism route, who made the near 500-mile round trip from Caithness to Carnoustie to address the conference.

Mr Campbell and Douglas Gibson, project co-ordinator for the Wester Ross Tourism Group revealed how they helped to attract visitors to businesses following the creation of what has become known as Scotland’s Route 66.

“It’s an incredibly exciting time in Dundee and Angus with the arrival of some major new developments, and local businesses must make the most of this unique chance to promote this fantastic destination,” said Mr Campbell.

The way visitors access information is changing all the time, the Scottish tourism industry needs to embrace new technology. MALCOLM ROUGHEAD

The opening of the V&A in Dundee will provide an exciting opportunity for tourism in the area.