Nature Based Tourism in the Outer Hebrides Anne Ryan Tourism Development Officer Tourism Hebrides Feb. 2011

Who are our visitors? Two Main Classifications Identified By Visitscotland Younger Domestic Explorers Affluent, Active Devotees

Younger, Domestic Explorers Youngest Warm Segment Average Age 42 1/3 Of Households Have Children Uk Wide Above Average Income

Affluent, Active Devotees Above Average Income Average Age 50 Professionals Confident/Discerning Scotland/North England/Northern Ireland

What They Have in Common Explore Beautiful Landscapes Hiking, Cycling, Golf Good Food & Drink Spend Quality Time With Partner/Family Sightseeing Active Sports

Nature Based Tourism Marketing Promoting Our Natural Assets Across All The Islands. – Developing A Nature Calendar – Improving Communication With Potential Visitors – Outer Hebrides Website – Use Of Social Media – Greater Use Of Feedback From Visitors – Promote The Wildlife In The Shoulder Months

Walking Routes Build On Work Already Undertaken Identify Potential New Routes Audit Of Signage And Interpretation Required Ensure Uniformity Across The Islands Maps And Itineraries Available For Download

Food and Drink Acknowledge The Link Between The Traditional Crofting/Fishing Way Of Life, Nature Based Tourism And Food And Drink. Share Knowledge Of Producers And Providers to Accommodation Providers, Craft Producers and VIC Staff etc. Gauge Interest Amongst Producers/Providers Of A Food Trail Or Other Means Of Promotion

Training Events Explore Interest In A Nature Based Accreditation Scheme – Train 6 Wildlife Guides – Interest In Accreditation By Accommodation Providers – Offer Training To VIC Seasonal Staff

Currently Happening Interest In Ranger Services Being Established RSPB Recruiting A Seasonal Member Of Staff In Uist 5 Members Of WiSe Who Commit To Responsible Marine Wildlife Watching Askernish Golf Course Development Potential Viewing For White Tailed Sea Eagles Increased TV Coverage

Sharing Good Practice Organise Events Within The Islands Exploring Nature Based Tourism, Food And Drink. Host Off-island Groups Wishing To Learn From Examples Within The Islands And Arrange Reciprocal Events Improve Communication To Tourism Businesses With Regular Newsletters, And Regular Inter Island Visits

Learning Journeys Great Opportunity To Learn From Other Areas – Likely To Be A Few Days Up To A Week – Sea Eagles In Mull – Food And Drink In Arran – Walking Festival – Sea Birds In Orkney/Shetland – Yorkshire Wetlands Trust Visit – Potential For Overseas Trip

Joint Working Increases Revenue Improves Visitor Experience Encourages Business Confidence Economies Of Scale Saves Duplication and Fragmentation

Plea Lets Make The Most Of This Opportunity! The Whole Is Greater Than Merely The Sum Of Its Parts. Aristotle