Tourism means business in East Lothian

The Chair of VisitScotland met with businesses that are leading the charge on responsible tourism and destination development in East Lothian on a visit, in collaboration with East Lothian Council.

Stephen Leckie, who took up the position of chair of the national tourism organisation in April, visited Belhaven Brewery, Foxlake Adventures, and Whitekirk Hill Resort last week (30 September).

He was accompanied by VisitScotland Regional Director, Neil Christison, and met with Provost John McMillan, council officials and business owners and staff, touring facilities and discussing tourism developments.

Business representatives included those from Dukes of West Barns, Ocean Vertical, and Dunmuir Hotel.

The visit was organised in conjunction with East Lothian Council on the back of VisitScotland’s successful travel trade event, VisitScotland Connect, held in April, in which businesses from East Lothian attended. VisitScotland Connect returns to P&J Live in Aberdeen, on 9-10 April 2025 and eligible, trade-ready businesses are being invited now to register their attendance. 

Engaging with the travel trade is important for businesses seeking to increase their international profile and bookings, as more than half of international visitors plan and book their travel through travel agents or tour operators.

The local authority has since supported two groups of 10 businesses for its travel trade development programme, to enable them to engage with travel agents and tour operators.

Stephen Leckie, Chair of VisitScotland, said: “It was a pleasure to discuss tourism developments in the area with businesses and how VisitScotland and East Lothian Council are supporting the regional economic strategy. Our recent collaborations around accessibility and the travel trade are helping businesses improve, and expand, their visitor offering to reach new customers. East Lothian has a wealth of high-quality attractions, accommodation and visitor experiences, and by working together we can drive the visitor economy sustainably and responsibly.”

Councillor John McMillan, East Lothian Council Provost and spokesperson for Economic Development and Tourism, said: “We have a really strong tourism industry in East Lothian including food and drink, attractions and hospitality and that industry is strengthened by the valuable partnership working that is enjoyed between the businesses, East Lothian Council’s Economic Development Team and VisitScotland. It was a pleasure to meet with Stephen and to hear all about new developments with some of our wonderful businesses to grow their sustainable offering to visitors and to strengthen their links with the travel trade. It’s all about spreading the word about East Lothian’s amazing coast, countryside and hospitality.”

ENDS