Tourism is one of Scotland's largest business sectors, providing direct employment for 200,000 people and generating visitor spending of more than £4 billion a year.
It is an important element in the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of Scotland, from major cities to rural areas, many of which depend on the industry for jobs and infrastructure.
Nationally, the Scottish Government’s Strategy - A Tourism Framework For Change sets an ambitious target for Scotland’s tourism industry of a 50% growth in tourism revenues by 2015. Growing overseas markets is very important as overseas visitors stay longer than UK tourists, also with the decline of traditional manufacturing jobs, the continued expansion of service industries, such as tourism, is viewed as a prime mechanism to provide and sustain economic growth.
In Dunbartonshire, the designation of Loch Lomond and the Clyde as wealth hubs is key in helping to promote these locations as ideal sites for the ongoing development of West Dunbartonshire’s tourism product, built around the branding potential of the River Clyde and gateway to the Loch Lomond and the National Park.
We want to ensure that, through supporting and promoting West Dunbartonshire in becoming a key Scottish tourist destination, that we are providing opportunities for individuals to help them achieve what is best for them in terms of skills; environment; health; services; products and infrastructure. West Dunbartonshire Council will contribute to the strengthening of cross partnership working to further identify and expand on West Dunbartonshire’s tourist potential and to promote the area with the aim of enhancing positive returns for the local economy.
