The Bigger Picture

Ireland has relied heavily on a strategic planning approach since the late 1980s and experienced considerable growth while, on the other hand, Costa Rica and British Columbia which have also experienced substantial tourism growth, in spite of having no national or provincial strategic planning process. In spite of these contrasts, there are some aspects worth considering as possible lessons for Scotland.

The integration of strategic planning and funding availability in Ireland (as already discussed); and

The proposed strategic planning process for New Zealand which is intended to be industry-led and based on a 50:50 partnership with the private sector.

Funding of the Tourism Industry

Scottish tourism is probably beyond the stage of requiring major public sector funding support for new facilities and attractions, at least in terms of capital funding, although there remains the issue of annual revenue support for a range of significant attractions/assets. The key funding issue for the future is being able to support effective marketing at international and domestic levels.