Council approves new Sustainable Tourism Strategy for Highland

The Economy and Infrastructure Committee today (14 November 2024) approved the ‘Sustainable Tourism Strategy 2024-2030’ which aims to set out the Council’s ambition for a sustainable tourism sector and what the Council’s contribution will be over the coming years. 

Economy and Infrastructure Committee Chair, Cllr Ken Gowans said: “Tourism is at the heart of our economy and helps support communities throughout the Highland areas.  I’m therefore delighted that Council has put in place a strategy which will support the sector to thrive alongside ensuring visitors are responsibly managed and that it delivers real benefits for our communities and environment. 

“This strategy forms one part in a multi-layered approach the Council is taking to working with others to address the challenges and unlock the opportunities which tourism presents in Highland.  Also approved today was the introduction of a 3 month public consultation relating to the Visitor Levy Scheme.”

The Sustainable Tourism Strategy has been developed over the past year with input from a wide range of stakeholders and a formal public consultation during the summer.  The feedback received during this time has formed an integral part in shaping the contents of the strategy. 

The ambition and priority outcomes identified within the strategy will provide the strategic direction for the Council and the focus areas will shape how the Council organise itself and prioritise its resources.  The next key step for the Council will be to create an accompanying delivery programme to set out short, medium and long-term investment plans to help deliver the ambitions contained in the strategy. 

The link to the report can be found here and the Sustainable Tourism Strategy webpage is here.