Business Focus: SCDI Highlands and Islands will support slow, experimental and luxury tourism innovators
by Grant Campbell, SCDI's regional manager for the Highlands and Islands
Like many families, we have been taking time out over the October break. We’ve rediscovered the rich communities and stunning landscapes of the north Highlands, sampled great local organic food and explored beauty spots like Achnasheen beach.
Surrounded by this local splendour, my thoughts have, quite naturally, turned to our opportunity to develop as a prime location for the ‘slow’ travel market. A deliberate change of pace, which offers visitors the chance to really immerse themselves in a destination.
The wild and varied landscapes of the north Highlands provide a break from the confines of modern life under the pandemic. I would expect a return to wellbeing experiences like walking, hiking and swimming, along with regional food and drink and hospitality. This move towards experiential travel will also switch the focus to exploring culture, traditional music, and arts in the region.
Stunning architecture, outdoor leisure excellence, breath-taking locations and welcoming people also make us the perfect home for luxury tourism. SCDI will support our members to encourage growth in these sectors over the coming year while maintaining a commitment to protecting Scotland’s unique natural environment for the future.
COP26 is bringing eco and ethical tourism to the forefront. SCDI will partner with ScotlandIS and Scottish Enterprise to deliver Scotland’s COP26 Climate Tech Showcase in a few weeks. Our member exhibitors will demonstrate how technological solutions could make our economy more sustainable.
The consensus is that the continued upgrading of the A9 and A96 (part of the goal to provide a dualled road network to all Scottish cities by 2030) must continue, but the environmental impact should be minimised.
The stretch between Luncarty and Pass of Birnam is expected to be completed this winter, delivering improved access for tourism, and hopefully increasing economic growth.
Growth from supporting youth employability will be explored at the Highlands and Islands Productivity Club, on Thursday.
More on this at: www.scdi.org.uk
