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 Customer Advisor welcomes a visitor at the Glasgow iCentre

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 and online messenger services. Helping to maximise visitor spend, the team:

  • works closely with industry and local communities
  • promotes attractions and destinations through iCentre advertising
  • supports businesses through ticket sales and showcasing local products

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 March 2022

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