View from the Chamber

LOCHABER Chamber of Commerce was delighted to attend the annual Scotland’s Marine Tourism Conference last week at the Moorings Hotel in Fort William.

The fact that the conference was held here for its first time in the Highlands is testament to the growing status of Lochaber as a tourism hub with great visitor facilities.

The Moorings Hotel, on the banks of the iconic Caledonian Canal, was the ideal location for discussions on the exciting future of marine tourism in Scotland.

Fiona Hyslop, the Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, opened the conference with a speech that focused on the huge potential for Scotland of the ‘blue economy’, which covers energy, fishing, food and marine tourism. Scotland is increasingly well served in marina and pontoon facilities, and this investment is bearing fruit.

Fort William is expecting nine large cruise ships this year and there are 11 scheduled for 2019. These visits bring fantastic benefits to our retail and food providers, as well as to visitor attractions in the wider area. Having the right people in the right roles is crucial in marine tourism, as it is in all industries. Attracting young people into the sector is key to its long-term sustainability.

Alex Williams, from West Highland College UHI, talked passionately about the college’s Marine and Coastal Tourism degree and courses. The course aims to equip young people with the skills, experience and knowledge that they will need to work in the sector and become tomorrow’s marine business leaders.

At Lochaber Chamber of Commerce, we’re committed to helping our members achieve their business goals. If you’d like to join us please give us a call on 01397 705 765 or visit www.lochaberchamber.co.uk.