Visit Scotland | Alba

This directorate's remit is to develop and maintain strategic relationships with a wide range of partners.

Its main aim is to ensure that tourism is seen as an important and valuable industry for Scotland. It does so by working with a range of partners and stakeholders including:

  • tourism businesses
  • industry bodies
  • destination management organisations
  • local authorities
A formally dressed man stands behind a lectern

Destination Development

This is led by three Destination Development Directors working across three regions:

  • Chris Taylor (Highlands and Islands)

  • Caroline Warburton (Central and North East)

  • Gordon Smith - (South of Scotland)

These teams work with partners, including:

  • local authorities
  • enterprise agencies
  • destination managment organisations
  • chambers of commerce
  • other business and tourism groups
  • communities and tourism businesses

The work of these teams supports regional economic development and investment in the visitor economy.

Industry Development

Led by Ken Massie, this department includes teams focusing on:

  • responsible tourism
  • customer service
  • business support
  • Quality Assurance
  • national strategic and sector partnerships

Information Services

Led by Tracey Beveridge, the team connects visitors with memorable experiences. They do so through our iCentre network.

iCentres help visitors with:

  • information on the local area as well as the wider region
  • information about attractions and accommodation
  • booking tours
  • entrance passes to visitor attractions
  • buying tickets for public transport services
  • shop local - allows craft makers and designers to sell their products to visitors

 

Director of Industry and Destination Development – Rob Dickson

Rob Dickson is a highly experienced individual who has held senior roles at the Scottish Borders Council. Most recently, he had the role of Executive Director (Corporate Improvement & Economy). Before that, he worked for the Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames.

More recently, he was pivotal in setting up the South of Scotland Enterprise Agency. He led on economic development in the Scottish Borders, helping to deliver the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal. He also worked closely with stakeholders and public agencies across Scotland.

Rob also worked at the Energy Saving Trust and carried out military service for three years with The Royal Scots.

Rob Dickson's register of interests

Published February 2024

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Related links

Chief Executive’s Office

The directorate consists of Corporate Communications, Human Resources and Insight. It fulfils a strategic support function for the organisation.

Events directorate

The role of the events directorate is to help develop a strong and dynamic events industry for Scotland.

Marketing and Digital

Seeking to showcase Scotland as a leader in 21st century tourism with a thriving, responsible visitor economy.