This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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British-Irish Council meets at New Lanark
22/11/2002
A new organisation with the aim of making Scotland one
of the world's leading major events destinations was
launched today.
First Minister Jack McConnell gave details of
'EventScotland' - backed with £10 million of government
money - as he announced details of a new Major Events
Strategy to a delegation of influential tourism operators
from Europe and North America.
The strategy sets out a plan of action designed to:
- build Scotland's international image
- develop a portfolio of sporting and cultural
events that will encourage visitors to all areas of
Scotland throughout the year
- improve co-ordination of events and explore ways to
develop existing events
- build a centre of knowledge and expertise open to
all those hosting events in Scotland
Mr McConnell told the conference at Gleneagles:
"Tourism is a global industry and I am determined to
make Scotland a world class destination. The sector is
immensely important, employing 200,000 people and
contributing £4 billion each year to our economy. I want to
see the industry grow and flourish.
"We are already investing in the future of tourism and
today we step up our efforts and offer even more.
"Our Major Events Strategy for Scotland is truly
aspirational. What better time - the eve of St Andrew's Day
- to confirm our commitment to see Scotland become one of
the world's foremost events destinations by the year
2015.
"There are great events which Scotland already
hosts - the Edinburgh festivals, the largest in the world,
attracting more than 400,000 people each year, or the Open
golf, the greatest golf event in the world. These events
demonstrate that we are a modern and dynamic country
capable of making an impact - and delivering - on the
international arena."
Tourism, Culture and Sport Minister Mike Watson
added;
"This new strategy will help promote Scotland on the
international stage, and confirm our position as a must
visit tourist destination.
"We share this plan and our ambition with our key
partners: local authorities, the public agencies and
corporate Scotland.
"We will now set up a new, small organisation called
EventScotland, dedicated to securing and delivering
excellent events in Scotland. It will be Government led,
but will assist all those involved in events - the private
sector, the public sector and local communities.
"An extra £10 million will go to EventScotland over the
next three years demonstrating our commitment and
determination. I hope the private sector will match our
willingness to invest in and support events throughout
Scotland."
The Executive has been helped in the process by OPL, one
of the world's leading sponsorship and events companies.
The team have brought expertise in international best
practice to help shape this strategy.
A key member of OPL is Craig McLatchey, who was part of
the leadership team which staged the successful Sydney
Olympics in 2000. Speaking from his office in Laussane, he
said:
"This is not just about aspirations and what is possible
- this is a concrete strategy to allow Scotland to become
one of the world's foremost events destinations by
2015.
"This is about more than just bringing events to major
cities, it is about involving all of Scotland's
communities, ensuring there is a dividend for the whole
country.
"Creating role models for children, motivating them to
participate and simply allowing them to dream are all major
spin offs from staging major events.
"The challenge is before you. It is now time to ensure
that this events effort is a high priority on the social
and economic agenda of Scotland. I am sure that with this
announcement today, that is bound to be the case."