Invest

Scotland is currently seeing new investment in many of the larger hotels. There are golf developments underway and major plans in both cities and rural areas that will vastly improve prospects for both leisure and business tourism.

These types of investment have the potential to add up to £200 million of tourism revenue within the next ten years. But more is needed to stimulate additional growth:

• new shops and restaurants,
• new facilities,
• and new visitor attractions.

There are numerous opportunities for private sector investment at all levels, from extending a B&B to developing a conference facility. In some areas there is a need for improved facilities for business tourism, while in others there are gaps in accommodation, visitor attractions etc for leisure visitors.

The public sector has an important role to play here too. It can encourage and facilitate investment by creating the right environment in which to do business.

Expansion in tourism brings benefits to the wider economy. The right environment is one where investment is encouraged by ensuring the necessary planning and regulatory support is in place and offering incentives, where appropriate.

Most importantly, public agencies must consider matching private sector funding with investment in supporting infrastructure, transport and utilities.