New strategy launched to make Scotland 'leader in 21st century tourism'
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has launched a new tourism strategy that aims to make the country a "world leader'' in the industry.
Scotland Outlook 2030, which was revealed on Wednesday at an event in Glasgow, is a result of work between the Scottish Government and groups such as the Scottish Tourism Alliance, Visit Scotland and Scottish Enterprise, plus engagement with more than 2,500 businesses across the country.
The strategy outlines four key priorities around Scotland's people, places, businesses and experiences, with the aim of making Scotland a leading tourist destination.
The publication aims to ensure Scotland has a sufficient workforce to cope with the influx of visitors, supporting areas across the country to manage tourism "effectively and responsibly'', maintain Scottish destinations and tourist assets and support firms to be more sustainable.
The strategy report said: "The time for our industry to adapt has come and this positive change will be led by our vision: Scotland - we will be the leader in 21st century tourism.''
Ms Sturgeon announced a funding package of £5.5 million in the next five years to support the strategy.
She said: "I welcome the publication of the new tourism strategy for Scotland".
"The sector is vitally important to Scotland, supporting more than 200,000 jobs and contributing over £7 billion to our economy.
"The Scottish Government and Visit Scotland have created a new £5.5 million fund to support the implementation of the strategy, ensuring that the industry is equipped to deal with the demands of modern tourism and is supported to grow sustainably in the years ahead.''
She added: "Scotland is blessed with an abundance of breath-taking scenery and rich historical sites which continue to attract people from across the world.
"We must work together to ensure our unrivalled tourism experience is sustainable and this new strategy and supporting fund provide a strong basis for achieving the industry's ambitions.''
The strategy was created to adjust Scotland's outlook in the wake of climate change emerging as a global issue, the UK leaving the European Union and advancements in technology.