Protecting Paradise: Ecotourism
opportunities are plentiful in the Uists
by James MacLetchie,
Outer Hebrides Tourism Industry Association spokesman
TOURISM is an enormous industry and its impacts are felt across the world. Here in the Hebrides we have reportedly seen visitor numbers increase this year by as much as 25% from 195,000 visitors in 2007 to potentially 243,000 visitors in 2009.
Whatever increase is finally verified by VisitScotland and other agencies, it is clear that tourism is on the rise with more and more visitors making their ways to our shores. Tourism can bring great benefits as well as negative impacts if not managed correctly and in 2007 was estimated to generate £49.1m into the Hebrides economy; a substantial figure spread across the whole of the Hebrides.
The Area Tourism Partnership anticipates increasing visitor spend by a further 50% by the year 2015 to an estimated £71m – no small task, but additional revenue that is much needed across the islands and by tourism businesses.
