VisitScotland is joining Wild Scotland and Sail Scotland to step up the country’s commitment to responsible tourism and tackling climate change, by becoming the first national tourism organization in the world to sign up to the Tourism Declares initiative.
The three organizations will aim to play a leading role in the development of Scotland as a globally recognized responsible destination. They have pledged to take action to reduce carbon emissions and support businesses to do the same. With the tourism industry facing huge challenges due to the pandemic, the organizations’ plans recognize the importance of balancing necessary business survival with a sustainable and responsible recovery.
The collaborative partnership joins a growing list of over 100 travel groups, businesses and individuals who have declared under the banner "Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency," an initiative committed to coming together to find solutions to the climate crisis. The initiative aims to encourage positive contributions toward addressing climate change, especially as the sector looks to recover from COVID-19.
As part of its plan, VisitScotland has committed to reducing its own emissions, working with communities and focusing marketing efforts to encourage responsible tourism, in line with Scottish Government’s targets to become net-zero by 2045, and the national tourism strategy’s ambition for responsible growth.
VisitScotland’s plan also includes a long-term commitment to increased promotion of public transport and active travel. Wider efforts on responsible tourism will see VisitScotland develop its community engagement and visitor management—work that has been ongoing particularly following the first national COVID-19 lockdown.
There are several pieces of activity to support responsible development already underway at VisitScotland, including giving advice to tourism and events businesses through the industry engagement program, such as promoting green tourism practices and quality locally sourced food and drink, to reduce food miles. The national tourism body also administers the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund, which helps manage the success of popular destinations and runs marketing initiatives to encourage responsible visitor behavior. Scotland’s “Year of Coasts and Waters” has also been encouraging responsible engagement and participation through its promotion. And, at an operational level, VisitScotland has committed to clear targets for reducing carbon emissions and waste, with progress reported on annually.
Wild Scotland, as the representative body of the wildlife, adventure and activity tourism industry, has made a commitment through its own declaration to advocate for change across the tourism industry. Over the coming year the organization will develop a meaningful Climate Emergency Plan focusing on the adventure tourism sector with a commitment to not only reducing its own emissions but with a strong focus on encouraging members, suppliers and partners to take steps towards responsible and sustainable solutions while also encouraging them to declare a Climate Emergency and produce their own Climate Emergency Plans.
Visit www.visitscotland.com.
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