Sustainable Destination Development Programme

What is the Sustainable Destination Development Programme?

Destinations across Scotland are at different stages of their sustainable tourism journey and are increasingly seeking structured support and advice to help progress their ambitions.  

The Sustainable Destination Development Programme is supporting four pilot destinations across Scotland to accelerate their sustainable tourism ambitions through expert guidance, practical tools and strategic support delivered by VisitScotland in partnership with GDS-Movement.  

The participating destinations are: 

• South of Scotland - South of Scotland Enterprise (SoSE)
• Fife - Welcome to Fife team within Fife Council
• Midlothian - Midlothian Council
• Inverness - Visit Inverness Loch Ness

The programme began in March 2026 is currently closed for applications and is running for an initial period of one year, with the option to extend to a second year. 

Support is tailored to each destination and shaped through ongoing collaboration to reflect local needs and opportunities. 

Through the programme, destinations will receive tailored guidance and practical tools, including support to identify priorities, develop action plans and measure progress towards their sustainable tourism goals.  

Participating destinations are being supported to develop and deliver strategic plans setting out their sustainable tourism actions, which are embedded in, or aligned with, the overall strategy of the destination.

The plans and associated work are also aligned with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Destination Criteria, the internationally recognised standard for sustainability in travel and tourism.