The Highland Council has unveiled an ambitious roadmap for tourism development with its ground-breaking ‘Sustainable Tourism Strategy 2024-2030’, marking a significant milestone in balancing visitor growth with community wellbeing.
Economy and Infrastructure Committee Chair, Councillor Ken Gowans, emphasises the strategy’s vital role in supporting Highland’s economic backbone while ensuring responsible tourism management that benefits both local communities and the environment.
This comprehensive strategy emerges from extensive stakeholder engagement and public consultation conducted throughout the past year, incorporating diverse perspectives from across the Highland region.
The Council’s forward-thinking approach combines this strategic framework with the recently announced three-month public consultation on the proposed Visitor Levy Scheme, demonstrating a coordinated effort to address tourism’s challenges and opportunities.
Industry experts particularly welcome the strategy’s emphasis on creating a robust delivery programme that will outline specific investment plans across short, medium, and long-term horizons.
The Highland Times understands that this strategic initiative represents the Council’s most comprehensive approach to tourism management to date, setting clear priorities for resource allocation and organisational focus.
Local tourism businesses have expressed enthusiasm for the strategy’s balanced approach to growing the sector while preserving the unique character of Highland communities.
Environmental groups praise the strategy’s strong emphasis on sustainability, seeing it as crucial for protecting the region’s natural heritage while developing tourism opportunities.
Community leaders across the Highlands welcome the strategy’s commitment to ensuring tourism benefits flow directly to local areas, addressing long-standing concerns about visitor impact management.
The Council’s multi-layered approach to tourism development signals a new era in Highland tourism, promising enhanced visitor experiences alongside strengthened community support.
Tourism industry stakeholders particularly appreciate the strategy’s practical focus on deliverable outcomes, moving beyond theoretical frameworks to actionable plans.
The Highland Times can reveal that implementation planning is already underway, with initial projects expected to commence in early 2024.
This landmark strategy positions the Highland region at the forefront of sustainable tourism development in Scotland, setting new standards for responsible visitor management and community engagement.
