Sustainable Destination Development Programme

What is the Sustainable Destination Development Programme?

Destinations across Scotland are at varying stages of their sustainable growth journey and are increasingly seeking structured, expert led support and advice to progress their ambitions.

The project will commence in March 2026 and run for an initial period of one year, with the option to extend to a second year.

The Sustainable Destination Development Programme will provide a comprehensive programme of support, specialist guidance, and practical tools enabling destinations to deliver faster and more robust progress on their sustainable tourism journey.

The exact nature of the support, and timing of activity, will be developed through dialogue with the destinations involved and may vary from destination to destination in order to fully reflect local needs and opportunities. 

Unlike other supported programmes this is dedicated to destinations rather than individual businesses.

We expect that expressions of interest will:

• come from an organisation already playing a key role in the leadership of a destination
• be submitted on behalf of a partnership of key organisations in the destination

Through the programme, destinations will receive support to develop and deliver a strategic plan setting out their sustainable tourism actions which is embedded in, or aligned to, the overall strategy of the destination.

The plan and associated work will also be aligned with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) destination standards. A recognised global standard for sustainability in travel and tourism.