Gaelic Tourism Strategy for Scotland launched
Issued by VisitScotland
A new Gaelic Tourism Strategy for Scotland has been launched today (20 February) as part of Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week). The strategy is aimed at delivering authentic and memorable visitor experiences by celebrating Gaelic culture, heritage and language.
Visit Scotland Director of Industry & Destination Development, Rob Dickson was joined by Joy Dunlop, Director of Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week) for the official launch of the Gaelic Tourism Strategy for Scotland 2024 - 2029 at the National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh.
World Gaelic Week aims to raise the profile of Gaelic through community initiatives, projects and events, and this year runs until 25 February.
Find out more about the Week and events taking place near you on the website - seachdainnagaidhlig.scot.
A growing interest
VisitScotland recognise that the Gaelic language is an integral part of Scotland's heritage, identity and culture. And represents a compelling opportunity for the Scottish tourism industry as a unique selling point and authentic part of the experience of visiting Scotland.
Gaelic culture and language are of growing interest to visitors.
From 2018 to 2021 there was a 72% increase in the number of visitscotland.com users visiting Gaelic related content.
The new Gaelic Tourism Strategy
The strategy highlights an increasing interest in the Gaelic language and culture, from both domestic and international visitors, which creates opportunities for tourism and events businesses across Scotland.
VisitScotland have worked alongside representatives from the Scottish tourism industry and partners including the Scottish Government, Creative Scotland and Historic Environment Scotland to develop this new strategy which sets out five strategic priorities:
- to increase awareness of industry opportunities associated with Gaelic opportunities
- to support the creation of Gaelic experiences through skills and training for the tourism industry
- to increase visitor awareness of Gaelic and maximise opportunities to promote the language, culture and heritage
- establish connections between tourism and other sectors, identifying opportunities for collaboration
- develop research and insights