HIE funding to help Argyll tourism recovery
More than six jobs are being created with Argyll and Islands Tourism Co-operative.
It follows the award of £350,000 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) towards two key areas of tourism activity: product development and community engagement.
It will lead to 6.5 new fulltime equivalent posts to help rebuild the tourism sector across Argyll and the islands.
The cash injection comes following the approval by HIE in September 2020 to support ‘strategically important’ direct marketing organisations, as part of wider support for the sector’s recovery, with £3million in funding.
The new AITC roles will work towards ‘inspiring, enabling and delivering destination recovery’.
More collaboration among businesses, communities, public and third sector partners will be encouraged.
AITC will provide support and advice to communities looking to improve conditions for visitors.
The project also aims to ensure tourism businesses have the skills and knowledge to rebuild their operations, access new markets and thrive in the longer term.
Morag Goodfellow, HIE area manager for Argyll and the Islands, said: ‘Tourism is so important to this area, for the economy and rural employment.
‘It is also one of the sectors that has been hardest hit by the pandemic.
‘It’s important we do all we can to help the industry recover and that’s what this funding is about.
‘AITC provides valuable co-ordinated support for businesses and communities involved in providing visitor services. Our funding is about making sure the group is as effective as possible in rebuilding the sector post-Covid.
‘We look forward to working with AITC and our tourism businesses to make the project a success.’
Iain Jurgensen, chairman of Argyll and the Isles Tourism Co-operative, said: ‘Tourism in Argyll and the Islands had been growing year-on-year prior to the onset of Covid-19.
‘HIE’s investment will enable AITC to significantly increase our work on the ground throughout the area with communities, businesses and sector groups working together to get tourism back on its feet and equipped to face the future.
‘We are excited to be leading this project for the area and look forward to continuing our partnership and collaboration with HIE.’