Neil Christison, Regional Director, VisitScotland
Tourism businesses and operators across Forth Valley and beyond are experiencing their first full season without any legal restrictions since 2019. It’s been a difficult time for our industry and while 2022 has brought some degree of optimism, we are still facing local and global challenges.
International visitors are returning but travel issues remain, the cost of living is putting a squeeze on budgets and making the everyday experience for our businesses difficult.
We’re working hand in hand with partners and our tourism and events industry to rebuild this vital part of Forth Valley’s economy and providing the right support to lead the recovery along with key partners in the region
Our Destination & Sector Marketing Fund has successfully awarded funding to Stirling Council, Visit Falkirk and Discover Clackmannanshire. Their marketing campaign activity has been running throughout 2021 / 22, to ensure Forth Valley and the wider area is front of mind when visitors are choosing a destination.
There is continued momentum driving forward the Forth Valley for Net Zero campaign. Community and industry partners have been working together towards long term and strategic goals of becoming a net zero destination. Acting on climate change will not only reduce costs and build resilience, but it will meet the increasing consumer demand for responsible and sustainably focused businesses.
There has been significant investment in the region, with two multi-million-pound distilleries. Falkirk Distillery which has recently opened its doors, and Rosebank Distillery is expected to receive its first visitors in early 2023. And in Clackmannanshire, Brucefield Estate, is a new regeneration project with high quality ecologically sustainable accommodation.
Scotland's Year of Stories 2022 will sustain and build upon the momentum of the preceding Themed Years to spotlight, celebrate and promote the wealth of stories inspired by, written or created in Scotland.
With Forth Valley bursting with incredible stories, there are plenty of opportunities to showcase the area. The Year of Stories is funding hundreds of events, including Silent Cinema: Telling Old Stories, Singing Songs at the Hippodrome in Bo’ness which took place in March, and Tales from the Castle at Stirling Castle. Tales from the Castle sees the landmark opening its gates after hours next autumn and creating an amazing storytelling experience from past to present and the many amazing tales connected to this iconic site.
Falkirk is featured as part of Scotland’s contribution (named Dandelion) to UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK, a nationwide programme of creative events and engagement, the Unexpected Gardens project will even include one stunning ‘Floating Garden’ which will tour the Forth and Clyde Canal, and the Union Canal. Consisting of two barges and floating ecosystems, it launched from Glasgow in June, and passed through Bishopbriggs, Kirkintilloch, Auchinstarry, Bonnybridge, Polmont, Linlithgow, Broxburn, Ratho and Edinburgh before docking at the Helix in Falkirk until September 2022.
The impact of tourism spreads far beyond the industry itself - it benefits our economy, our community and our wellbeing. I hope we can all look forward to a more predictable and enjoyable summer period and do remember to contact the local VisitScotland team in Forth Valley where we can provide a range of support and advice to tourism businesses.
