Latest meeting round-up
The group focuses on five cross-cutting mission areas to achieve the ambitions of Scotland Outlook 2030.
The November meeting included a focus on the Pathway to Net Zero Mission, specifically the research undertaken by Ramboll through Climate XChange.
This included developing a tourism emissions measurement framework and exploring a consistent tourism-specific emissions baseline, the potential for an Environmentally Extended Input-Output (EEIO) national model, regional pilots, and SME-friendly tools.
Data challenges were highlighted, particularly around governance, funding, and rural-level granularity.
At the meeting the phase two priorities were agreed, including establishing the baseline measurement, pilot projects in rural and island destinations, and practical tools for businesses.
Discussions were also held on infrastructure investment priorities for the sector and the future work programme of the ILG.
Updates on the other missions were:
- Community Led Tourism – update on upcoming events and the importance of measurement to understand the impacts of the initiatives delivered across Scotland. There was also an ask about opportunities to showcase communities in campaigns focused on the visitor economy to grow awareness of its significance.
- Proud and Valued People – outlined recent skills insights and reforms, highlighting sector data, careers collaboration, modern apprenticeships and initiatives to address workforce challenges, coordination gaps, and perception issues in tourism careers.
- Technology to Enable – feedback on progression of the conversations held with key Scottish Government officials at the September ILG meeting. As well as initiatives like education programmes, automation tools, and closed-brain AI projects aimed at boosting efficiency, trust, and cross-industry collaboration.
- Sustainable Transport – conversation focused on work with rail stakeholders, including leveraging rail to boost tourism through better data, collaboration, and visitor-focused strategies, recognising long-term opportunities despite current challenges.
Minutes for the November meeting will be published when they are approved by the Tourism and Hospitality ILG members at the next meeting in February 2026.
Read the Tourism and Hospitality ILG minutes on gov.scot