FLS seeks views on new Visitor Strategy
Forestry and Land Scotland is consulting on a draft Visitor Strategy that will shape its /visitor and tourism offering in years to come.
FLS is aiming to increase accessibility and encourage and welcome a broader spectrum of local, national and international /visitors and make the best use of its resources and the land that it manages as /visitor attractions.
As the single largest provider of outdoor recreation in the country, FLS looks after over 300 destinations (including 6 forest parks) that host a wide range of outdoor experiences – walking, mountain biking, wildlife watching, places of cultural and heritage significance and more.
Leona Wilkie, FLS’ Head of Visitor Services and Communities, said;
“Scotland’s forests and land are for everyone and are highly valued by communities and /visitors alike as beautiful, safe and well managed locations where people can enjoy themselves, improving their connection to the environment and improve their mental & physical health.
“We want to build on this and create an environment that is even more accessible, more open and more welcoming to people from all backgrounds and communities across Scotland.
“This will not only increase the contribution that our sites make to developing the rural and wider Scottish economy but will also help to attract /visitors to Scotland and add value into local and national tourism businesses.
“We’re starting from a good place but improving on that takes a great deal of planning – and a lot of input. That’s why we’re looking for feedback on the draft Strategy so that we can develop plans that make the most effective and efficient use of our resources as we encourage more people to enjoy Scotland’s forests and land more often.”
FLS welcomes over 10 million /visitors each year, generating around £110 million added value to the Scottish economy.
The Visitor Strategy consultation is open now and will close on 6 January 2022.
Notes to editors
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Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.
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Media enquiries to Paul Munro, Media Manager, Forestry and Land Scotland Media Office 07785 527590 or paul.munro@forestryandland.gov.scot