Council Confirms Commitment To Develop Tourism In The Highlands

A new partnership agreement between The Highland Council and VisitScotland for 2009/10 could see the Council contributing up to £445,000 to be used to promote the Highlands as a top tourism destination.

Last May Members agreed to support a review of the existing agreement with VisitScotland and although the final report will not be available until the end of the Month at last week’s Planning, Environment and Development Committee the Council confirmed its commitment to develop Highland Tourism in partnership with the business sector, VisitScotland, EventScotland and HIE.

Chairman of the Planning, Environment and Development Committee, Councillor Ian Ross said:  “Despite the current economic situation there are still good prospects for Highland tourism but to capitalise on this will require a co-ordinated approach.  We are still finalising the agreement with VisitScotland but members have approved payments of up to £445,000 for 2009/10 to be spent on visitor information centres and additional marketing.  This will allow us to work closely to develop a two year programme of activities which can be specifically targeted to focus on Highland priorities such as Gaelic, green tourism, events and activities.”

Councillor Ross and Councillor Isobel McCallum will represent The Highland Council on the Area Tourism Partnership which brings together representatives from both the public and private sector.