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Our responsible tourism goals

The strategies and plans for Responsible Tourism

Scotland Outlook 2030

The national tourism strategy Scotland Outlook 2030: Responsible Tourism for a Sustainable Future was published on 4 March 2020. Its commitments include -

  • Scotland's tourism sector will make a full contribution to our national ambition to become a net-zero society by 2045
  • we will ensure that tourism leads to improved community wellbeing and nurtures thriving places across Scotland
  • we will ensure that the value of tourism to Scotland's economy continues to increase and delivers shared prosperity for all, by encouraging the right growth in the right areas

National Strategy for Economic Transformation

In March 2022, the Scottish Government published the National Strategy for Economic Transformation with the following vision:

“Our vision for Scotland in 2032 is a wellbeing economy: thriving across economic, social and environmental dimensions, one that delivers economic prosperity for all Scotland's people and places.”

Destination Net Zero

The Destination Net Zero programme is a key strand of the Tourism Recovery Programme which aims to support Scotland’s tourism industry on the journey to net zero.  It is being delivered on behalf of the Scottish Tourism Emergency Response Group by Scottish Enterprise, VisitScotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise and partners.  

The programme consists of research to discover where we are now, advice on taking climate action, and funding to support our businesses and destinations to transition to a greener, more sustainable future.

VisitScotland support

VisitScotland’s approach to developing responsible tourism in Scotland focuses on four priority areas:

  •   Supporting Scotland’s transition to a low carbon economy
  •   Ensuring tourism and events in Scotland are inclusive
  •   Ensuring tourism and events contribute to thriving communities
  •   Supporting the protection and considerate enjoyment of Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage

Information on responsible tourism, Destination Net Zero and the support available to businesses and organisations, can be found through the links at the bottom of the page.