a factor and 41% cited its overseas marketing. Only 6% blamed their own lack of marketing abilities. “I think the results show that the STB is not in touch with the views of people at the sharp end,” said an FPB spokesman.
However, the STB attacked the survey and defended its record. Deputy director of UK marketing Mike Young said: “At a time when the tourist industry is engaged in a serious debate with politicans about its future strategy, this survey contributes absolutely nothing.
“Surely the way to respond to the challenges facing the small business sector in tourism is to work together on a new approach, rather than take the blame culture to a new and most outrageous level.”
The majority of FPB members participating in the survey own accommodation or retail outlets. Detailed results based on more than 500 responses are due in January.
TOURIST businesses in Scotland have attacked the Scottish Tourist Board for not marketing the country effectively enough in a survey carried out by the Federation of Private Business.
The results show that 46% of businesses believe the STB’s marketing activity in the UK is poor or very poor, while 20% say it is average.
The organisation’s overseas marketing strategy is regarded more positively, with 44% saying it is average and 30% that it is poor or very poor.
Of the businesses used in the FPB’s 50-strong sample, 36% believed that this year’s tourist season has been worse than 1998’s, while 30% said it was better. Among those who thought there had been a downturn, the majority blamed the strength of the pound.
However, 44% cited the STB’s UK marketing strategy as a factor and 41% cited its overseas marketing. Only 6% blamed their own lack of marketing abilities. “I think the results show that the STB is not in touch with the views of people at the sharp end,” said an FPB spokesman.
However, the STB attacked the survey and defended its record. Deputy director of UK marketing Mike Young said: “At a time when the tourist industry is engaged in a serious debate with politicans about its future strategy, this survey contributes absolutely nothing.
“Surely the way to respond to the challenges facing the small business sector in tourism is to work together on a new approach, rather than take the blame culture to a new and most outrageous level.”
The majority of FPB members participating in the survey own accommodation or retail outlets. Detailed results based on more than 500 responses are due in January.