Tourist opportunities are to be explored at first Tay Cities event

Food and drink, adventure activities and creative and design experiences could all help grow tourism in the east of Scotland in the next five years.

The three themes which have been identified as key strengths in the region’s tourism offering will be explored at the first Tay Cities Regional Tourism Conference today.

The gathering, which will take place at Dundee Rep Theatre, has been organised by the four local authorities with support from Scottish Enterprise and VisitScotland

Major events such as the V&A Dundee opening, the Open at Carnoustie in 2018, and the Solheim Cup 2019 at Gleneagles have helped propel the east of Scotland into the global spotlight, generating worldwide media and visitor interest.

The region will also celebrate the 700th anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath in 2020 and the 50th anniversary of the Scottish Fisheries Museum in 2019-2020, while St Andrews will host the 150th Open in 2021.

VisitScotland regional leadership director Caroline Warburton said: “The east of Scotland has many of the attributes that people come to Scotland for: rich history, stunning landscapes and vibrant culture.

“Whilst these are all an integral part of the tourism mix, if we want to continue growing tourism within the Tay Cities region it is important we capitalise on our other strengths too, offering experiences unique to this area to help attract new visitors and welcome back returning ones.”

She added: “It is important that, through events such as the Tay Cities Regional Tourism Conference, the local tourism industry works together to make the most of this interest in the east of Scotland and uses it to continue growing the sector in years to come.”