VisitScotland
bosses are caught up in a slanging match with the country’s new devolved government
amid claims it hasn’t got the resources to promote tourism.
Ambitious plans to
open a £1 million visitor centre in London’s Covent Garden and the creation of
a dedicated US sales team have been shelved because of a budget shortfall.
Now
VisitScotland’s new management board has delayed approving the Scottish
Executive’s preferred budget for the year, despite the fact it is £9 million
higher than two years ago. VisitScotland had hoped for a £40 million budget and
its management board is seeking showdown talks with the Scottish tourism
minister Mike Watson.
It has been
offered £28 million for 2002/03 instead which has been described as “more than
adequate” for the former Scottish Tourist Board to do its job.
The spokesman for
the Scottish Executive said: “We reject VisitScotland’s claims. Funding for
tourism has actually been increasing on a regular basis and continues to do so.
We are committed to developing tourism and we believe the current funding
situation is more than adequate.”
A leaked letter
from VisitScotland director of corporate services Hugh Hall to the Scottish
Executive head of tourism Neil Stewart read: “You should note members did not
approve the plan on the basis of their firm belief that VisitScotland does not
have sufficient financial resources to deliver what is required by the
department and industry.”
VisitScotland has
also been forced to ditch plans for a joint marketing drive with low-cost
airlines. International promotion campaigns have also been quashed.
VisitScotland refused to comment, stating it will only talk to the
Scottish Executive.