Visitor Management Plan funding for 2022 to be considered at Highland Council Committee

Highland Council Members will consider committing further funding to invest in Visitor Management as part of the medium term financial plan, at a meeting on Thursday 9 Sept 2021.

Given the importance of tourism to the Highland economy and the need for a positive experience for visitors and communities, it is proposed to extend the Visitor Management Plan funding into the 2022 season by a one-off investment of £1.5m, funded from the Council’s general fund non-earmarked reserves.

The one-off Visitor Management Plan investment of £2.4m agreed by the Council in March 2021 for this year’s season has enabled a range of service improvements.

This includes:

Car park and other road improvements an enhanced waste collection service; additional motorhome waste facilities;

14 new Comfort Schemes

building improvements to Council run public conveniences;

operational support for the new Storr toilets;

support for a community group running portaloos;

enhancements to visitor management infrastructure in Aviemore

and a pilot public transport scheme in Skye.

Economy and Infrastructure Committee Chair, Cllr Trish Robertson said: “The improvements to facilities through the investment this year have already proven their value. The Seasonal Access Rangers have made a significant difference to the effects visitors have had on fragile communities. Engagement with visitors, communities and landowners and the offering of information and advice has been the priority of their work.”

The Highland Council Committee will meet on Thursday 9 Sept and can be viewed live on The Highland Council webcast at 10:35am - Highland Council live webcast 9 Sept 2021

 

8 Sep 2021