Business backing for new tourism board

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 to boost occupancy rates in hotels and create jobs.

Tourism businesses across Moray would pay a levy to the TBid 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

“Companies have an appetite for a brighter future”

last month it could be forced to close after its funding stops.

The body – which acts as a tourism board – currently 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.

Last night, Moray Speyside Tourism’s operations manager Laurie Piper said he believes the TBid is the only sustainable future for the tourism industry in the region, and welcomed the survey.

He said: “I’m absolutely delighted that at this early stage, the companies have an appetite for a brighter future for tourism in the region.

“The TBid is absolutely critical as without it, there won’t be a tourism destination marketing organisation in Moray – this is the only show in town.

“Businesses are clearly seeing the benefits that successful tourism can bring to the region.”