Within The Scottish Government, tourism is part of the Europe, External Affairs and Culture Directorate. The Directorate’s full remit includes the following objectives:

• to manage Scotland's reputation as a distinctive global identity, an independent minded and responsible nation at home and abroad
• to bring a sharp economic growth focus to the promotion of Scotland abroad
• to create the conditions for talented people to live, study, work and remain in Scotland
• to enhance the quality of life for Scotland's community through maximising access to high quality cultural events and opportunities.

March 2006 saw the publication of Scottish Tourism: The Next Decade - A Tourism Framework for Change.  It followed 2002's "Tourism Framework for Action 2002-2005". and the "New Strategy for Scottish Tourism" in 2000.

This document takes a fresh look at what’s happening in tourism markets both globally and in Scotland, and how the tourism market might change over the next decade. It sets out what tourism and hospitality businesses, related sectors like transport and retail, and the public sector agencies which support them, need to do to keep Scottish tourism growing sustainably in that changing market.

A review of the Framework for Change is currently underway, being conducted by the Scottish Tourism Forum.

The Government, through the Promotion of Scotland and Tourism Team within the Europe, External Affairs and Culture Directorate, provides core funding for VisitScotland.

Website: www.scotland.gov.uk