Protecting Paradise: Ecotourism
opportunities are plentiful in the Uists
With this in mind we then need to look at what sustainable tourism is and how it can be achieved across the Uists. Sustainability can be applied to any type of tourism product, be it nature based, cultural or historical. According to Agenda 21 for the Travel and Tourism Industry, ‘sustainable tourism products are products which operate in harmony with local environment, community and cultures, so that these become the permanent beneficiaries.’
When we look at the tourism product across the islands it is at present an underutilised resource where few businesses are able to generate a year round income. The effects of seasonality seriously dilute the overall product and the investment required to make it sustainable.
There are more than a few entrepreneurs who have tried to lead by example and invest heavily in their tourism product in order to try and provide the visitors with quality accommodation, value for money and a credible product through promoting local excursions and experiences out into the environment. But their efforts may be in vain if agencies and the council fail to address the true need for investing in the industry and its people.
