New thinking on tourism

It is reassuring that 80% of Moray tourism businesses which took part in a survey bought into the concept that you only profit from how much you are prepared to invest in something.

They are not only willing to invest in time to discuss their future prosperity, but also offer cash to support a new strategy for selling Moray and Speyside in particular to visitors.

Nearly 100 businesses are supporting the creation of a Tourism Business Improvement District (TBid) for the area. Backed by a levy from businesses across Moray, cash would be invested with the sole purpose of attracting more tourists.

It is an extraordinary fact, but despite Moray’s obvious attractions its only official tourist-marketing organisation has an uncertain future.

Plenty of ideas are on the table for the new body: for example, to set opening hours which match the needs of visitors. What a novel idea.

How many times have you turned up to an interesting place only to find nothing is open?