This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Scottish Tourism Week
11/03/2007
Strong leadership from Scotland's tourism industry is vital to achieve the Executive's ambition of increasing tourism revenues by 50 per cent by 2015, Tourism Minister Patricia Ferguson said ahead of Scottish Tourism Week.
The national event, conceived by the Scottish Tourism Forum, runs from Monday to Friday and aims to raise awareness of the importance of tourism to the Scottish economy.
Ms Ferguson is due to attend a number of events during the week, including:
Monday - speaking at the Scottish Tourism Forum (STF) Industry dinner to celebrate Tourism Week
Tuesday - takes part in a photo-call with Historic Scotland to announce record breaking visitor numbers
Wednesday - addresses the STF Industry conference - Profitable Growth for Scottish Tourism in Edinburgh followed by STF reception at the Scottish Parliament.
The Minister said:
"Tourism is one of the leading sectors of our economy. With record investment being pumped into the industry and overseas visitors at an all time high we are already outperforming the rest of the UK.
"But we must not be complacent. We must continue to work together to achieve our shared ambition to increase tourism revenues by 50 per cent over the decade to 2015.
"Strong leadership from the industry is crucial to build on our successes and ensure Scotland is a must-visit, must-return destination. And that industry leadership is happening. Change is now well on the way, with the industry firmly in the driving seat.
"Tourism week, led by STF and supported by the industry including VisitScotland, provides a platform to raise awareness of the importance of tourism to the Scottish economy. We want to motivate everyone in Scotland, because tourism is everyone's business and this week should help us do that."
Alan Rankin, STF Chief Executive, said:
"The week is all about raising awareness of the importance of tourism to the Scottish economy. Tourism is Scotland's largest sustainable industry employing over 200,000 people and one that with the right balance of positive legislative support and private sector investment can become a world beater.
"The week will see delegates come from businesses across Scotland to meet and 'talk tourism' with their peers and politicians. The key strand running through the week is looking at the overall tourism strategy for growth and how in turn that can be based on profitable growth for a sustainable future."
VisitScotland Chairman Peter Lederer said:
"Scottish Tourism Week is an excellent opportunity to highlight how one of Scotland's largest and most sustainable industries helps support our economy.
"It's great to see our industry taking the lead in this way. Hundreds of countries are competing for the same visitors and we need to leave people feeling that there is always more to do in Scotland if we want to succeed in growing tourism revenues by 50 per cent in ten years.
"By working together during Scottish Tourism Week and beyond the industry can do its bit towards achieving that shared ambition."