Press Releases
09-03-2010 : McARTHUR WELCOMES TOURISM GROWTH
While welcoming the news that the number of tourists visiting Orkney has grown by 18% since 2005 and the evidence of very high levels of customer satisfaction, Orkney MSP, Liam McArthur, has warned that the growth will always be vulnerable if the industry continues to be undermined by unfair transport costs or by a centralised VisitScotland.
Liam McArthur said, "Orkney's many tourism businesses and VisitOrkney have worked very hard to achieve this growth and they deserve full credit for the success which these figures represent. The quality of the product they offer is demonstrated by the spectacular statistic that 95% of visitors would recommend Orkney as a holiday destination. Orkney has much to offer the tourist and those who come north are clearly seldom disappointed.
"But in a very competitive market, we cannot assume that this growth is secure. Despite the local industry's best efforts, Orkney will always face challenges, many outwith its control. For example, the SNP Government's discriminatory decision to cut ferry fares to the Western Isles, while our fares increased, does risk diverting tourists seeking an island experience to the Western Isles. The Government's cut to HIAL's budget, which is behind HIAL's attempts to introduce car parking charges at Kirkwall, could also increase the cost of flying to Orkney and divert potential tourists to cheaper destinations. And, despite the sterling efforts of the local VisitOrkney staff, the centralised management structure imposed by the Government and VisitScotland ties their hands when it comes to selling Orkney.
"So welcome though this news is, if we are to secure this growth and take it further, we need Scottish Ministers to play their part. After all, the first rule of government is ‘do no harm'."