£1.5m tourism plan will help communities around the North Coast 500 ahead of anticipated surge in visitors to north Highlands this summer
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A tourism strategy to prepare the Highlands for an expected influx of tourists once lockdown ends needs to be implemented rapidly, industry insiders insist.
Business leaders in the north were pleased to see Highland Council agree a £1.5 million strategy last week to help tackle a lack of infrastructure in the region.
But they said change must start to happen in time for the coming season, which is seen as critical to the survival of some businesses in the sector.
The council's new Highland Visitor Management Strategy aims to help deal with the expected rise in tourists over the next year as travel restrictions are lifted by the Scottish Government.
Last summer, tourist hotspots including those around the North Coast 500 suffered as more visitors arrived at a time when the limited facilities in many areas were still closed due to Covid restrictions.
It led to widespread concerns around 'dirty camping' and irresponsible tourism including from motorhome and campervan users.
The new plan, which will see road improvements, cash for public toilets and seasonal ranger posts among other investments, was given the green light on Thursday as part of the local authority's 2021/22 to 2023/24 revenue budget proposals.
"This is welcome news, as it is vitally important that we invest now in our tourism infrastructure in advance of an anticipated surge in visitors to the Highlands once restrictions are lifted," said Trudy Morris, chief executive of Caithness Chamber of Commerce.
"Our hospitality and tourism sector has been hard hit by public health restrictions over the past year and this season will be key to the survival of many businesses in the sector.
"We are pleased that Highland Council has learned from the impacts on tourism infrastructure that occurred as a result of a similar surge in staycations last year and has dedicated this money to addressing these."
She added: "It is now important that they act at speed to make these improvements as quickly as possible in advance of the coming tourist season. We must be ready to show visitors the kind of warm Highland welcome they have come to expect."
The funding will go towards a number of projects in the Highlands including a £280,000 investment in roads – improving passing places, lay-bys, road signs and verges.
Over £200,000 is set aside for parking management at tourism hotspot car parks, while £300,000 will go towards 10 new seasonal access ranger posts, focusing on visitor management issues.
A sum of £60,000 will be invested in public toilets and £180,000 for an increase in waste management service, frequency and capacity to help combat littering, and £200,000 for motorhome campsites and waste servicing.
Venture North chairperson Catherine Macleod said: "Venture North are delighted that Highland Council has identified and dedicated funding to some of the gaps in the tourism infrastructure in the Highlands.
"Caithness and Sutherland have a fragile economy and tourism is one of the core economic contributors. This strategic approach is good news and will allow our sector to recover, grow and remain sustainable.
"It looks to support not only businesses in tourism but also to the local community, and that is important."
North Coast 500 Ltd and North Highland Initiative, the bodies behind the NC500 route, have been in discussions with Highland Council about a visitor engagement plan.
Tom Campbell, executive chair of North Coast 500 Ltd, said: “We’re extremely grateful to our partners at Highland Council for agreeing this significant investment in the Highland visitor management strategy and for their long-term vision for the economic growth and recovery of the region, which will rely heavily on income generated by tourism.
“The investment agreed by Highland Council provides a more optimistic and positive outlook for the immediate and long-term future of our industry and the many Highland communities that rely on tourism for their livelihoods.
“It’s important that we work together to help each other through the challenges ahead. NC500 Ltd is continuing to work with Highland Council, VisitScotland and Highlands & Islands Enterprise during lockdown to help address public safety concerns and infrastructure investment surrounding the reopening the north Highlands to visitors this summer and beyond.”
Governance for the council's visitor management strategy will be overseen by its recovery board, which will monitor and evaluate its progress. Three council committees will also be involved in the policy and implementation of actions – the economy and infrastructure committee, communities and place committee and tourism committee.
Chair of the tourism committee Councillor Gordon Adam said: “It has proven vital that we invest in our tourism infrastructure which is fundamental to the economic recovery of the Highlands. We want to be ready to welcome visitors back to the region when lockdown restrictions ease. This investment will benefit tourists, but also enhance the wellbeing of Highland communities and help to preserve our stunning environment.”
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