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Holiday at home in 2009
01/01/2009
Scots have been urged to consider holidaying at home this year.
Tourism Minister Jim Mather, who plans to spend his summer holidays in Argyll and Bute, urged people to allocate at least one holiday this year to Scotland, saying there was no better time than the Year of Homecoming for people to take advantage of all that Scotland has to offer.
Jim Mather said:
"Now that Christmas is over, many of us will be thinking about possible holiday destinations. With so many fun-filled events taking place throughout Scotland for the Year of Homecoming, there will be plenty to see and do on our own doorstep.
"We have invited people around the world with an ancestral link or affinity for Scotland to come home and join in the Homecoming celebrations - but we also need everyone in Scotland to play their part in what will be the biggest ever celebration of Scotland's achievements and culture, by having a holiday in this country.
"There is no doubt that the global downturn is affecting Scotland, but tourists - from both home and overseas - can help breathe fresh life into Scotland's economy in 2009.
"From our fabulous golf courses, unrivalled scenery, world-class museums and cultural attractions and wonderful hospitality, Scotland is certainly the place to be for the Year of Homecoming."