VisitScotland moves to allay tourist chaos anger
Working with communities, residents and community councils in Lochaber to make sure tourism is managed responsibly is the best way of avoiding tourist backlash situations such as those facing cities like Venice and Barcelona.
So said VisitScotland chief executive Malcolm Roughead, who was answering questions from the Lochaber Times following his recent visit to Nevis Range.
Last summer a number of European cities such as Barcelona, Venice, Rome, Amsterdam, Florence, Berlin, Lisbon, Palma de Mallorca and elsewhere saw mass protests against the invasion of tourists each year.
The backlash against the masses of visitors has continued this year with local residents angry that the infrastructure of their cities is struggling to cope.
But while Lochaber might be some distance from the threat of such serious antagonism from local inhabitants towards visitors, there is continuing concern and anger over problems with tourist traffic and congestion as witnessed in places such as Skye and Glenfinnan.
However, Mr Roughead said VisitScotland was actively working with the industry to help alleviate these issues.
‘Our country possesses many of the attributes that attract visitors to Scotland. The Highlands, and Skye in particular, are famed for their breathtaking scenery, history and culture,’ he told us.
‘A growing interest in set-jetting, where visitors are inspired to visit locations used in films, has helped raise awareness of Skye and Lochaber’s tourism offering to audiences around the world.
‘Visitor satisfaction is consistently high for the Highlands. Our visitors are blown away by the quality of the scenery, history and heritage and the warmth of the welcome and so while certain places are busy at peak times, visitors are still having a great experience.
‘As may be expected, an increase in visitors to certain parts of the Highlands has put pressure on some of the more popular attractions, with some residents and communities feeling the strain. Concerns have been raised around parking, a lack of accommodation and environmental damage. VisitScotland is aware of this and in Skye, for example, is actively working with the tourism industry to help alleviate these issues.
‘Through our partnership with organisations like Skye Connect, we are seeking and listening to views from communities, residents and community councils to make sure we help manage tourism responsibly.’
Mr Roughead added that the Scottish Government’s recently announced Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund will see £6 million invested over two years (2018/19 and 2019/20) to help ensure services and facilities tourists and communities need are provided.
The new fund will support a wide range of improvement projects across Scotland – such as parking, camping facilities, recycling points and footpath access.
Mr Roughead continued: ‘As we approach the busiest part of the tourist season, when availability is already likely to be limited, we would advise visitors to book suitable accommodation before travelling.
‘Ensuring the country’s tourism industry remains sustainable requires a sensitive touch and VisitScotland is committed to working in partnership with the government, businesses and communities so that Scotland remains a must-visit destination for future generations of holidaymakers.
‘Tourism is one of its most sustainable and enduring industries – we need to continue to work in collaboration to ensure visitors see us at our best throughout the year.’