News release

New action plan for tourism

A new action plan to boost tourism across West Lothian has been given the green light.

West Lothian Council has approved a series of recommendations from independent consultants, who revealed in a new report that tourism is worth £31 million to the area.

A new public/private sector partnership company will be set up to develop a tourism strategy for West Lothian.

Based on a Destination Management Organisation model, it will be run by a board of directors which will include representatives from the council, VisitScotland, West Lothian Tourism Forum and private organisations including hotel, retail and heritage sectors.

The report from consultants proposes a strategy which focuses on eight key activities:
Development and promotion of Livingston as a hub leisure-shopping destination
Development and promotion of Linlithgow as a hub heritage destination
Development and promotion of West Lothian as an area where visitors can sample a range of activities, possibly for the first time
Development and promotion of cultural/sporting events
Development of business tourism markets
Visitor information services
· Visitor information materials
· Brand development

" The implementation of the recommendations from independent consultants, in particular setting up a public/private sector partnership company, is the best way forward for tourism in West Lothian," said Council Leader Peter Johnston.

" It has the support of both West Lothian Tourism Forum and VisitScotland and offers the opportunity to engage other key players in the hotel, retail and heritage sectors.

" Establishing common goals and pooling experience and resources will strengthen local tourism services, increase visitor numbers and give the area a higher profile."

 

 

 

 

Date: 22-04-2008