With tourism figures down only 1.9 per cent, Scotland’s tourism authority is optimistic about 2010.
According to Melanie Angus, international marketing manager for emerging markets, VisitScotland: “We don’t have the final figures as yet but we do have to the end of quarter three. It was very encouraging to see that we have bucked the trend and emerged stronger, with Europe dropping by 7.5 per cent and the UK at eight per cent, though the Middle East still accounts for a fairly small percentage of arrivals.”
In 2009, 18 per cent of visitors came from the overseas market accounting for more than 30 per cent of spend and one of the key factors drawing tourists into Scotland has been the appeal of the country’s rich heritage and green landscapes.
“Besides the more than nine million people worldwide who claim Scottish ancestry,” said Angus, “so we worked with Caledonian and St Andrew’s Societies to urge people to come back home in 2009 and experience where their roots were from and enjoy other interests like our authentic cuisine and golf, which is extremely popular in Scotland.”
In fact in 2010, Visit Scotland will emphasise on the country’s hidden treasures including its cuisine.
Angus added: “The general consensus is that British food hasn’t been popular lately and so we have worked with our colleagues in the catering industry to change that. Sustainable tourism is a big thing in Scotland and we want to try to lower the carbon footprint though food. It is all about local produce and fresh sea food with easy coastal access. Scotland also boasts of several Michelin-starred restaurants.”
Scotland’s green tourism scheme has been operating for five years demonstrating and encouraging the use of local produce and recycling within t daily business practices. “Our ambition for 2015 is that the majority of Scottish tourism businesses will all act responsibly,” added Angus.