Firms boost tourism plans

Ambitious plans to promote tourism in Moray have been given a boost after winning the backing of businesses.

Four-fifths of the 120 businesses surveyed backed the idea of setting up a Tourism Business Improvement District (TBid), similar to the one in Inverness that has helped boost occupancy rates in hotels and create jobs.

Tourism businesses across Moray would pay a levy to the Bid which would then be invested in projects to improve trade and ensure visitors come back time and time again.

The idea was put forward after Moray Speyside Tourism warned last month it could be forced to close after its current funding stops.

The body, which acts as a tourism board, receives £55,000 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise and a further £15,000 from the local authority.

However, the council recently announced that due to its own financial crisis, it will no longer be able to offer the funding.