Sunset at the Forth Bridges. © VisitScotland |
Reflections on my time at VisitScotland |
As the sun sets on my time at the heart of Scottish tourism, I want to reflect on the changes, challenges, and collaboration that I’ve witnessed during my career at VisitScotland.
What still fascinates me is the reach of tourism and events. Its effects are felt in every corner of the country and across all sectors. Whether it be transport, construction or the service industry, a healthy tourism and events sector benefits all.
Scotland’s Climate Week is a fitting reminder of one of the biggest challenges we are facing, the climate emergency. It's why Scotland’s national tourism strategy is focused on delivering a visitor destination that is built on value not volume. Responsible tourism is at the heart of what we do, and I am immensely proud of our work.
It’s been a privilege to have helped create a welcoming and inclusive destination that thrives on the global stage. As I bid farewell, I know that whatever changes are to come, that remains the same.
So, for the final time from me, please enjoy the latest edition of your Tourism Insider.
Kind regards
Malcolm Roughead OBE
Chief Executive, VisitScotland |
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Peebles Hydro Greenhouse, Scottish Borders. © VisitScotland / Connor Mollison |
| Reduce your climate impact |
Understand how your business can reduce emissions with our simple climate impact guide that includes our easy-to-use, free climate action workbook. Taking action may seem daunting, but we’re here to help you on your way.
Get started |
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Broadslap Fruit Farm Pumpkins, Perthshire.
© Scottish Agritourism |
| Source and serve local produce |
Do you supply food and drink as part of your offering? Find out how to source and use more local produce in your business, including Scottish ingredients and menu item examples.
Industry guide |
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Striling Castle. © VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale |
| Scotland Visitor Survey 2023 |
In the latest results from our visitor survey find out how attractions, activities and events are central to Scotland’s visitor experience. How they connect people to our country, and Scotland’s people creating an emotional bond for visitors.
Latest results |
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Christmas Fair, George Square, Glasgow. © Glasgow Life / Paul Watt |
| Domestic sentiment tracker |
The domestic sentiment tracker explores the likelihood of UK residents to travel both within the UK (and abroad). The latest report looks at intended trips between September and December 2024. It covers things like the impact of the cost of living, destination types and motivations.
Get the insight |
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Director of Strategy and Competitive Intelligence appointed |
We’ve appointed Cat Leaver as our Director of Strategy and Competitive Intelligence. This is a new role which will focus on the development of a strategic insight and competitive intelligence programme to support Scotland’s tourism and events industry.
Cat’s appointment is the final in our leadership structure which will support our new Chief Executive Officer Vicki Miller after she takes over on 1 October, after Malcolm Roughead retires. |
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West of Scotland Regional Thistle Awards 2024. © Connor Mollison / VisitScotland |
Regional Scottish Thistle Awards underway |
The Scottish Thistle Awards, with headline sponsor Johnstons of Elgin, celebrate the best of the tourism and events industry. An annual celebration of excellence, collaboration and innovation. The first of the regional ceremonies have been held...
The west of Scotland regional Scottish Thistle Awards ceremony was held on 19 September. Read who won on the night.
The Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards was held on 20 September. Read the list of winners.
Good luck to those in future regional events – the Central & East final this evening, South of Scotland final on 3 October and the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards on 4 October. |
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| VisitScotland Connect 2025 |
VisitScotland Connect, our flagship travel-trade event, will return to P&J Live in Aberdeen in April 2025. Registration for eligible businesses is open. The event creates opportunities to showcase Scottish tourism businesses and products to global operators.
Join us |
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People at a conference.
© VisitScotland and Andrew Cawley |
| Travel experiences sector conference |
Aimed at travel experience businesses, Arival Activate will take place in Edinburgh from 23 – 25 November. Tap into the latest insights, expertise, and networking opportunities with leading tour and attraction operators. There's also a free webinar prior to the conference.
Read more and book |
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Extension of the Electronic Travel Authorisation |
The UK Government has announced the next phase in the roll out of Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs). By April 2025, all visitors who do not need a visa will need an Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETA) to travel to the UK. |
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Was your business affected by the pandemic? There’s still time to complete the “Let’s Be Heard” survey for businesses. The inquiry wants to hear from businesses of all sizes, operating in all sectors and locations across Scotland. Closes 30 September. |
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VisitScotland, Waverley Court, 4 East Market Street, Edinburgh, EH8 8BG |
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