VisitScotland, a Scotland-based, government owned tourism agency, will be commencing a fund raising activity for its Year of Natural Scotland 2013 tourism promotion.
The agency is set to invest a £150,000 cash fund to help boost tourism in the country, and it will be open to outside financing from corporate entities and other organisations that are keen to help in the promotion of Scottish tourism. The Visit Scotland Natural Growth Fund is expected to support marketing ventures that will be highlighting the country’s natural environment.
The agency has reported that around 40 percent of the tourism related spending in Scotland is on nature-based activities, with the total value of wildlife tourism estimated to be around GBP270 million per year.
The agency chairman, Mike Cantlay, said, ‘The Year of Natural Scotland is an opportunity to work together and promote our natural assets. This also means getting those who live here already to appreciate the great natural icons they have right on their own doorstep and think about how we can take what Scotland does best – scenery, landscapes and stunning natural beauty – and help put more cash in the till.’
Fergus Ewing, the minister for energy, enterprise and tourism, in Scotland, said, ‘The Year of Natural Scotland is an opportunity to spotlight, celebrate and promote Scotland’s outstanding natural beauty and landscapes. We can also inspire the people of Scotland and our visitors to experience and participate in Scotland’s natural heritage at festivals and events, natural tourism attractions and outdoor locations.’
