This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Edinburgh’s champion approach to tourism
08/06/2004
A team of Champions has been formed to put Edinburgh on
the global map as a 'must-see' contemporary European
capital city.
They will spearhead a new action plan that aims to
create the quality of experience demanded by 21st Century
'net-age' visitors who have a choice of world destinations
at their finger tips.
The plan was launched today with support from Frank
McAveety, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, and aims
to build on the city's success as a tourism
destination.
The Minister met the twenty two Champions who will lead
the delivery of a wide range of projects that form the core
of the Edinburgh Tourism Action Group's (ETAG) development
plan for the industry.
The group comprises industry professionals, drawn mainly
from the private sector. Some of the initiatives they will
support include:
- Setting up an Edinburgh Events Unit
- Improving provision of infrastructure for events
such as MTV Awards and Edinburgh's Hogmanay
- Introducing an Edinburgh Pass, smart card for
visitors
- Supporting the Council's cleansing programme to
enhance the visitor's experience
- Ensuring transport remains a top priority to
improve visitor access to the city
- Promoting sustainable tourism practices
- Assisting in the development of a new City
brand
- Developing an individual 'passport' to demonstrate
Continual Professional Development of staff
Tourism Minister Frank McAveety said:
"The Executive is committed to the growth of the tourism
industry. Co-ordination of public/private sector roles at a
local level is crucial and the Edinburgh Tourism Action
Group offers an excellent example of how key interests can
work together to achieve results."
"The second plan, for the period 2004-07, shows an
increasingly confident and mature partnership and I am
greatly encouraged by its focus and the leadership that is
being taken by the private sector to deliver tangible
results. The role of the public sector is equally
important. Edinburgh has a proven track record of
joined-up and productive public sector partnership working
in tourism and I am delighted to endorse the Plan"
Richard Jeffrey, Chairman of ETAG and Managing Director
of Edinburgh Airport said:
"The public and private organisations involved in ETAG
have done an excellent job in establishing a serious and
credible body with all players in the industry. As chairman
I aim to build on that solid foundation and encourage the
private sector to play a full and active role in providing
a framework to deliver improvements essential to improving
the quality of service, product and experience we offer our
visitors."
ETAG was formed in 2000 led by the private sector but
involving, SE Edinburgh and Lothian, City of Edinburgh
Council and Edinburgh and Lothians Tourist Board.
The Action Plan Champions, and the projects they will
support, are:
- Councillor Steve Cardownie - establishment of an
Edinburgh Events Unit.
- Councillor Ricky Henderson - improve infrastructure
for major events.
- Paul Gudgin, Edinburgh Festival Fringe - ensure
events and festivals meet the needs of the industry and
cultural aspirations of the city.
- Amanda Alabaster, Edinburgh Zoo - introduction of
the Edinburgh Pass - smart card for city visitors.
- John Strachan, Maximillion Events - promote
innovative cross sector collaboration.
- Malcolm Duck, Edinburgh Restaurateurs Assoc. -
ensure greater engagement with restaurant and retail
sectors.
- Gordon Reid, Edinburgh City Centre Management
Company - development of tourism signposting.
- Richard Jeffrey, Edinburgh Airport -support for
integrated quality transport infrastructure.
- Hugh Aitken, Edinburgh Airport - support the
viability of new air routes into Edinburgh.
- Alastair McIntosh, Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre -
support for CEC cleansing programme.
- James Thomson, The Witchery - identify
opportunities and challenges for tourism industry.
- Caryll Paterson, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce -
promote sustainable tourism practices.
- Simon Williams, Edinburgh Principal Hotels
Association - develop activity and themed packages for
visitors.
- Gordon Drummond, Harvey Nichols - support the
development of a new city brand.
- Peter Taylor, Town House Company - support the
Pride and Passion campaign.
- Lesley Stephen, EICC - retain the city's top ten
position as a business conference destination.
- Iain Stewart, Editor Edinburgh Evening News -
communicate effectively with all tourism sectors.
- Douglas Logan, Speciality Scotland - enhance
communication on industry skills.
- Andrew Penker, - establish individual development
passport.
- Barbara Smith, Edinburgh Castle, Historic Scotland
- introduce a programme of 'influencer' events to
promote careers opportunities.
- David Cochrane, Springboard Scotland - develop
entrepreneurial staff mentoring programme; provide
employment opportunities for long term
unemployed.
- Peter Murphy, Sheraton Grand Hotel - focus on
skills retention in the workplace.