Latest news with #VickiMiller
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Daily Record
Ayrshire beaches named among best in Scotland
Eight Ayrshire beaches from Millport to Girvan have been named as winners of Scotland's Beach Awards. Eight of Ayrshire 's finest beaches have been named as some of the best in Scotland after winning recognition in the Scotland's Beach Awards. Ayr South Beach, Barassie Beach, Girvan Beach, Irvine Beach, Maidens Beach, Newton Beach at Millport, Prestwick Beach and Troon South Beach all met the criteria and high standards set out to be recognised. Scotland's Beach Award, organised by Keep Scotland Beautiful, celebrates the achievements of well managed beaches across Scotland. The prestigious flag helps visitors and locals chose where they want to visit, with the knowledge that the beach is being looked after for people and the environment. Only Fife with 13 award-winning beaches had more listed than Ayrshire as 52 beaches across Scotland were recognised. Both Maidens Beach and Troon South Beach have retained their award status for more than a decade - 12 and 10 years respectively - while Newton Beach on Great Cumbrae has made a comeback after flood defence works prevented it from entering over the past couple of years. Barry Fisher, CEO of Keep Scotland Beautiful said: 'Scotland's award-winning beaches demonstrate excellent beach management and we hope that all who visit this year play their part in keeping them beautiful. 'I'd like to congratulate all those who do so much to protect, maintain and enhance our beaches, protecting the sand and sea for us all to enjoy – from the local authorities to the communities who care so passionately about these phenomenal assets. 'Scotland's Beach Awards are the benchmark for quality, celebrating clean, well-managed and sustainable beaches and it is testament to those who look after them that so many have received awards over decades. 'We would love to encourage more communities to work towards accreditation of their beaches and are currently seeking sponsorship of the programme so we can enhance capacity and capability in communities which boast stunning beaches. 'Please get in touch if you can help us.' Vicki Miller, VisitScotland chief executive, said: 'Scotland has thousands of miles of coastline, providing a huge choice of beaches to enjoy stunning scenery and unique experiences. 'Whether visitors are looking for tranquil islands and rural escapes or the bustling cities and towns boasting serene shores, there is something for everyone. 'Congratulations to all the winners for their achievements. It is particularly encouraging to see some beaches making a return to the awards. This demonstrates a real dedication to improving the visitor experience and environment. 'Our communities, along with our natural and cultural heritage, are what make Scotland so special. It is vital we protect and preserve them for the future.' North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: 'Newton Beach has a long track record of receiving this national beach award and unfortunately due to the flood defence works it couldn't participate the past couple of years. 'We are delighted this high-quality beach and valued community asset has been recognised again.'
Scotsman
26-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
VisitScotland's new vision as economic growth agency
Change, it is said, is the only constant. That is as true in tourism as it is in life. Here at VisitScotland we have a new vision as an economic growth agency under the direction of CEO Vicki Miller, pictured. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... For tourism is more than simply going on holiday. Coupled with events, it is vitally important to Scotland's national and local economies. In 2023, international and domestic visitor spend was more than £2.2 billion in Edinburgh. One in ten businesses across the city were tourism related and employed 41,000 people. VisitScotland has a new vision as an economic growth agency under the direction of CEO Vicki Miller Our new corporate plan details our key priorities over the next three years – to drive the visitor economy, growing its value in a sustainable way that benefits not just visitors to the region but also the people who live and work here. It comes in the wake of 12 months of milestones across the city and region. Taylor Swift brought the headlines with her Swiftonomics record-breaking concerts at Murrayfield (we await the return of the Gallagher brothers in August). We saw the opening of major investments, such as Lost Shore and Edinburgh Gin, which will provide employment and create work for local businesses and service providers, and the recent announcement that the Grand Départ of the Tour de France is coming to Edinburgh. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad All of this is important in developing and sustaining the visitor economy – the term used to describe everything that benefits from visitors, including hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport, retail and events. The formal announcement by Edinburgh City Council to implement a visitor levy for overnight stays in the city from summer 2026 was made as part of its sustainable approach to the visitor economy, ensuring it benefits visitors, businesses, residents and communities. Aligned with Edinburgh's 2030 Tourism Strategy, it contributes to the development of the region. Place development is one of VisitScotland's three new priorities, alongside market development, and business and experience development. It's been a privilege to work with partners across the bordering local authorities as part of Edinburgh and South East Scotland's regional economic strategy, delivering specific projects focussing on cultural tourism, cycling tourism and opportunities around the Forth. Our newly launched business support hub will also help the industry to adapt to the ever-changing tourism sector. Market development means growing and diversifying Scotland's reach in key international and domestic markets. The cost of living continues to impact UK visitors, which has been a challenge for the industry. Our recent Great Days Out marketing push aimed at softening that impact by encouraging more day visits by Scots. In contrast, international markets are buoyant, helped by air routes opening, and returning, from the USA, Canada and China. With 50 per cent of overseas visitors booking their trips through tour operators, travel advisors and travel agents, the travel trade remains vital to our work with Scottish businesses – including VisitScotland Connect – to ensure there are holiday packages and experiences that visitors want across the year. For change is not the only constant. So too is our ongoing work to make Scotland a sustainable tourism destination that benefits all. Neil Christison is Regional Director for Edinburgh, East Lothian, West Lothian and Midlothian at VisitScotland
The Herald Scotland
22-04-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
New drive to highlight contribution tourism makes to Scotland
By showcasing real-life stories across the national tourism organisation's website and social media channels, and encouraging businesses to do the same, the activity will target those out with the tourism and events industry, including residents across Scotland. New YouGov research has revealed that Scottish residents recognised tourism and events as one of the most important industries driving the nation's economy. Similarly, over 905 of respondents also agreed that tourism brings economic benefits and attracts investment. READ MORE: Hotel on internationally-renowned Scottish tourist route brought to market Our verdict on a staycation in Scotland's 'most underrated city' How Scotland's next tourism boom is being made in China - by cows However, the drive aims to help build a greater understanding and appreciation of the ripple effect created by the visitor economy by illustrating the wider range of benefits it can bring. The visitor economy refers to the impact of people visiting a place – from the activities they enjoy and the services they use, to the jobs they support. In 2023, visitors spent £10.8 billion in Scotland. This spend not only supports over 245,000 tourism-related jobs and more than 16,000 businesses, but also creates a ripple effect, benefiting local supply chains including food and drink, arts and culture, retail, construction, and transport. In the past 10 years, tourism-related jobs have grown by a quarter while the number of businesses in the sector has risen by 15%. Scotland has also earned a global reputation for hosting and delivering high quality major events, including the Edinburgh Festivals, UCI Cycling World Championships and The Open. The 2024 UK Event Report found that the events industry generates £61.653 billion annually for the economy, with £5.5bn (9%) of that attributed to Scotland. Vicki Miller, VisitScotland Chief Executive, said: 'The visitor economy is much more than holidays or day trips at certain times of the year. It is a sustainable long-term benefit—it's jobs, investment, better places to live, work, visit, and happier people. "All of us, whether we realise it or not, have benefitted from this visitor economy. "Those working within tourism and events do an incredible job, particularly during these challenging times and this campaign is a timely reminder of the critical role our industry plays in Scotland. "By fostering partnerships, creating jobs, and supporting local communities, the visitor economy is helping Scotland thrive—today and into the future.'
