This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Midlothian Tourism Action Plan
23/12/2004
The Midlothian Tourism Action Plan 2004 - 2007 was
launched today at the Scottish Mining Museum in
Newtongrange.
The launch marks the culmination of a collaboration
between Midlothian Council, Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh
and Lothian and Edinburgh and Lothians Tourist Board.
It was also produced in close consultation with the
representative body for tourism businesses in the
Midlothian area, the Midlothian Tourism Forum.
Tourism Minister Patricia Ferguson said:
"Tourism is a highly competitive industry and growing
all the time. That is why it is essential we all play our
part if we are to realise our long term ambition of growing
tourism revenues by 50% over the next decade.
"Involvement and engagement and harnessing the powers of
local people are key to growing tourism in Scotland, and
the Midlothian Tourism Action Plan is a fine example of
this collaborative approach.
"I wish everyone who will take part in this plan every
success in the future - they will all play their part in
increasing the experience of the many visitors who come to
Midlothian and Scotland."
Tourism accounts for around 9% of jobs in Midlothian.
The action plan is designed to provide a blueprint for
development and expansion over the next three years.
Areas highlighted for action include:
- The promotion of key transport initiatives of
importance to the tourism sector, including the
proposed reopening of the Waverley Line, and improved
public transport and parking provision
- Developing opportunities for visitor attractions,
tourism businesses and infrastructure through increased
awareness of externally-funded development
programmes
- Supporting tourism businesses in the adoption of
e-business and stimulating innovation in the local
tourism industry through a series of workshops
- Marketing the area, with its many castles, scenic
villages and countryside, as a film location
- Encouraging take-up of the Green Tourism Business
Scheme
- Promoting access routes, including a coordinated
signage strategy
- Supporting regeneration activities in Midlothian's
town centres
- Improving marketing and promotional strategies for
Midlothian's tourism sector
Midlothian Provost Sam Campbell said:
"I am very proud of the visitor offering in Midlothian
with excellent accommodation and top visitor attractions
such as the Scottish Mining Museum, Rosslyn Chapel,
Edinburgh Crystal, Butterfly World, Vogrie Country Park,
Pentland Hills Regional Park and Midlothian Snowsports
Centre.
"This Action Plan will help to drive forward the
continued development of these attractions and ensure a
quality product is in place for the discerning
visitor."
Vice Chair of Edinburgh and Lothians Tourist Board and
Chair of Midlothian Tourism Forum Fergus Waters said:
"Tourism sustains over 2,000 jobs in our local economy
each year. The Minister has set ambitious new targets for
Scottish tourism representing a 50% growth in spend by
2015.
"The Midlothian Tourism Action Plan is our blueprint for
delivering that growth in Midlothian and ensuring that
tourism plays a leading role in the economic development of
our county. However, to be successful we will need to
sustain and further develop the existing partnership
between the industry, local authority and the new
VisitScotland network."
Jim McFarlane, Chief Executive, Scottish Enterprise
Edinburgh and Lothian said:
"To succeed in today's dynamic and globally competitive
tourism industry it is vital to stay ahead of the
game.
"To achieve this it is essential to encourage
innovation, networking and collaboration, constantly
reviewing and developing the products and services
provided.
"Implementing this plan will ensure that businesses are
working together with their public sector partners to
deliver a world class visitor experience."