The 3-strand approach to responsible tourism in Scotland:
- Sustainability – Environmental, Cultural and Economic
- Environmental – looking after Scotland’s assets that are so vital to Scotland’s brand by reducing harm to the natural and build environment and seeking to address the impacts of Climate Change.
- Cultural – protecting our heritage including activities, events and attractions that make Scotland unique.
- Economic – enabling good economic growth across Scotland and the islands and ensuring progress benefits everyone.
- Inclusion – By ensuring Scotland is a place for everyone. Prioritising inclusivity and accessibility.
- Communities – connecting the visitor and the community in a meaningful way and working with local people to ensure they experience the economic, social and well-being benefits of tourism.
Why is responsible tourism important?
Tourism is a force for positive change and it can help to sustain communities and the economy by tackling depopulation, improving well-being and the creation of jobs.
We have a duty of care to make sure we protect our assets for the future. These assets are vital to Scotland’s brand and make Scotland unique.
A responsible approach to tourism will help Scotland’s communities, natural and cultural environment thrive, minimising any negative impacts and enabling good growth.
- Find out about the Wild Scotland commitment to responsible tourism
- Wild Scotland Training and Skills and other useful links
- VisitScotland Industry Guidance relating to Responsible Tourism
- Find out about the Green Tourism Certification Scheme here
- Advice for visitors
If you would like to understand a little more about responsible tourism, do watch this short film where Dr Harold Goodwin breaks down his definition of responsible tourism: