news and events: Details
EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL'S TOURISM STRATEGY ACTION PLAN26/03/2008
Background
Tourism is Scotland’s largest economic driver and a growing sector which is recognised at a national, regional and local level as a key economic generator.
Scotland relies heavily on its scenery and outdoors to attract visitors. Tourism in East Dunbartonshire is based largely around these elements with attractions such as the West Highland Way, the Campsie Fells, Roman heritage and the Forth & Clyde Canal all within the district boundary. These attractions are some of the area’s key selling points and form the basis of its tourism product.
There is scope to develop the tourism sector in East Dunbartonshire and to do so a coordinated strategic approach is required.
Developing the Plan
The previous Tourism Strategy set out a plan of action to maximize tourism potential in East Dunbartonshire from 2003 to 2007. A review of this plan together with input from industry through the Tourism Forum and other key agencies such as VisitScotland, has informed the development of the new East Dunbartonshire Tourism Strategy & Action Plan.
The new Plan, in-line with national guidance, sets out a deliverable range of actions designed to enhance and promote the East Dunbartonshire’s tourism product. The actions cover several key topic areas: market knowledge, marketing and promotion, quality of experience and sustainability. Possible funding streams and investment opportunities have also been identified, as well as recommendations for delivery.
The Consultation Process
The consultation period will run from Friday 7th March to Friday 18th April 2008. During which local businesses, support agencies and other organisations involved in tourism, together with EDC Councillors, relevant EDC services and the public will have an opportunity to comment on the first draft of the Plan.
This consultation exercise will help inform further development of the plan and a final draft will be produced and submitted to EDC Committee for approval. The final approved version of the Tourism Strategy and Action Plan will be published later in 2008.
How to comment
To comment on the Plan please complete the Comments Sheet which can be downloaded from this page and send it to
David Gear
Economic Development & Tourism
East Dunbartonshire Council
The Triangle
Kirkintilloch Road
Bishopbriggs
G64 2TR
Alternatively email it to david.gear@eastdunbarton.gov.uk
If you have any queries regarding the above please contact David Gear on 0141 578 8622
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)
The SEA process assesses the environmental impacts of public sector plans and is now a legal requirement for most plans under the recent Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act.
SEA aims to prevent negative environmental impacts and enhance positive environmental impacts. The environmental assessment was carried out as the first draft of the Plan was written. In the case of the new Tourism Action Plan the SEA process will assist in the protection of our sensitive tourism sites such as the Roman Remains and West Highland Way.
The Strategic Environmental Report is also available for comment during this 6 week period.
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