Tourism network urges local support

A NEW national body is urging visitors to support community-owned tourism enterprises as the sector recovers from the impact of Covid-19.

A network of around 100 tourism groups, Scottish Community Tourism (Scoto) aims to promote and represent community-run ventures.

It wants tourists to make a conscious choice to seek out accommodation, activities and food and drink services offered by local community bodies in order for money to be reinvested into the area.

The new body launches today, with promotional activities planned throughout the week.

An interactive website has been designed, showcasing Scotland’s independent hospitality offerings, including cafes, pubs, distilleries, shops and cultural centres.

Members will be offered a free listing on the website and venues who join the network will receive placemarkers to identify themselves as community-owned enterprises.

Russell Fraser, founding member and chairman of Scoto and manager of the Loch Ness Hub in Drumnadrochit in the Highlands, said support from visitors will have “immediate and longlasting benefits” for the communities they visit.

Mr Fraser said: “Every penny spent with our members is an investment in our landscape, our culture, our people and their future.

“Our vision of sustainable, regenerative tourism ensures that the benefits of tourism are felt across the community, through sustainable development, employment, improved connectivity and the natural environment.”

Chief executive of the Scottish Tourism Alliance Marc Crothall said: “Supporting, encouraging and enabling more community led tourism is a key aim set out in our national tourism strategy Scotland Outlook 2030.

“The formation of Scoto is very timely as we recover from the pandemic and the tourism sector starts to get moving again.”