The Bigger Picture

The operational structure of tourism in Scotland is relatively straightforward and the roles of specific bodies are readily identifiable. This applies even more so to Ireland, which has a similar structure but fewer RTAs (equivalent to ATBs) and no local economic development bodies with tourism roles. It may be due to the size of these countries but their tourism structures seem to be more clearly organised than in most of the others.

For example, there are clear problems of overlap and duplication in the South African and German systems. The lessons to be learned are limited. Nevertheless, Scottish tourism would benefit from looking at how the private sector has become more actively involved in other countries, including:

Ireland where the ITIC holds a strong influence

Costa Rica where CANATUR has direct access to the President

New Zealand where TIANZ has recently produced its own discussion paper to guide a new tourism strategy

British Columbia where the private sector is dominant.