Infrastructure to benefit residents and visitors

VisitScotland Chief Executive Malcolm Roughead on the need for infrastructure developments to benefit local communities and visitors…

It’s all about planning for the future as we look ahead to a new tourism strategy that will take the industry through to 2030.

And, as part of this narrative it is crucial we explain that what is good for local communities is highly likely to be good for visitors - and vice a versa.

VisitScotland recently contributed to the Infrastructure Commission for Scotland’s consultation on Scotland’s future requirements and it is crucial that our buoyant tourism sector is close to the heart of this conversation.

Let’s start with transport. It’s an integral part of the tourism industry, linking tourists with attractions and activities, and generates increased visitor numbers in regions.

If we can get investment in our roads, rail network and ferries right, then everyone benefits.

Tourism supports communities, and communities are vital for a thriving tourism industry, delivering interaction, an authentic visitor experience and the workforce.

In many rural locations this is a challenge given the lack of amenities and affordable housing which is adding to the depopulation of some of the country’s key visitor areas. A key consideration for future investment must be to tackle the housing shortage, which can help to ensure that young people remain, and are more likely to settle in, geographically diverse locations. If we can get this right then tourism can help sustain these communities.

The Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund, administered by VisitScotland, is an example of where small infrastructure projects (pathways, car parking, electric vehicle charging points and toilets) can help to prevent perceived conflicts of interest between local communities and visitors.

Successful projects not only deliver an enhanced visitor experience by taking a sustainable approach but they also benefit residents - focusing on community capacity building and effective partnerships and collaboration.

A catalyst for social and economic change, infrastructure investment projects should reflect the history and dynamics of the local area and communities - place making - and can successfully have tourism at their heart. Examples include the Kelpies and the V&A Dundee – both of which are designed to drive increased visitor numbers as part of a wider ambition to regenerate post-industrial areas.

And finally, as you have heard me say many times before there is need for digital improvement across the visitor economy. All too often the lack of digital connectivity creates a barrier to businesses achieving their economic potential.

Tourism needs the right infrastructure to grow, but this isn’t exclusive to the needs of residents.

There’s an opportunity here to create total quality destinations that benefits everyone.