Central Scotland MSPs, Graham Simpson and Meghan Gallacher, met with Visit Scotland, Falkirk Community Trust and Falkirk Council for a site visit at Callendar House in Falkirk. The visit aimed to highlight Falkirk Community Trust’s tourism initiatives and tourism and events as a force for good in the area.
Both MSPs got a chance to hear about some of the activities happening in Falkirk to promote responsible tourism, including; the Forth Bikes initiative, led by Forth Environment Link, introducing 7 e-bike stations across the town, developing the Falkirk Community Trust’s Falkirk Explored app which maps local walks that encompass local heritage sites and promoting Falkirk’s extensive active travel network.
Falkirk Community Trust have been working hard with VisitScotland to promote the economic, social and enhanced wellbeing benefits of taking a holiday closer to home.
The hope is that current and future schemes, such as an accessible tourism project and establishing the town as a cycling hub, will lead to Falkirk becoming a long-lasting sustainable tourism destination which protects the environment and benefits visitors.
Recovery projects, following the pandemic, are also high on the groups list. The reopening of the tourism and events industry has not equated to recovery for all and a lack of forward autumn bookings is proving particularly difficult for accommodation providers.
Graham Simpson, MSP for Central Scotland said: “It was great to meet with VisitScotland and Falkirk Community Trust at the stunning Callendar House. Both groups are doing commendable work to grow responsible tourism in the area.
“The pandemic has dramatically changed the way people think about holiday destinations and the option of visiting location’s, like Falkirk, which are more closer to home.
“I was particularly pleased to hear about their plans to establish a bike hub in the town which would encourage more visitors to make use of their fabulous e-bikes and the 350km cycling network.
“I look forward to hearing more from the Falkirk Community Trust as they deliver on a number of eye-catching initiatives to attract more tourists to the town.”
Meghan Gallacher, MSP for Central Scotland said:
“I was delighted to visit Callendar House to learn about the important work undertaken by Falkirk Community Trust and Visit Scotland. Falkirk has a lot to offer and it is great to see organisations work alongside the Local Authority to bring people to the area, as well as encourage “doorstep tourism”, especially amongst young people.
“Although COVID-19 has brought its challenges, it was reassuring to learn that various events have went ahead virtually, with tickets being sold as far away as America. I am hoping that this will encourage people to visit Scotland and choose Falkirk as their destination as we continue to emerge from the pandemic.
“With exciting incentives being launched, I am looking forward to seeing tourist numbers increase which will be of economic and social benefit to Falkirk.”
Neil Christison, VisitScotland’s Regional Director said:
“It was a pleasure to meet with a number of MSPs representing the Falkirk area, partnering with Falkirk Council and Falkirk Community Trust to highlight the role of tourism and events as a force for good.
“Tourism creates economic and social value throughout the region, enhancing people’s wellbeing and helping support a responsible recovery for the industry.
“VisitScotland will be hosting further sessions across the country, to raise awareness of the benefits tourism can bring to every corner of Scotland.”
Notes: Picture attached.
Attendees are as follows (from the left): Meghan Gallacher MSP, Graham Simpson MSP, Neil Christison (VisitScotland’s Regional Director), Lesley O’Hare (Culture and Libraries Manager, Falkirk Community Trust) and Tracey Martin (Economic Development, Falkirk Council).
