Tourism businesses surveyed over Lews Castle row 18/3/14
A survey on the future use of the Lews Castle has been launched by the Outer Hebrides Tourism Industry Association (OHTIA).
It follows grave concern by some hospitality operators that Natural Retreats -
There is criticism the market is so over-
The quality of communications and the the lack of firm information about the proposals were hot topics at a meeting between the OHTIA and senior councillors and Comhairle officials last week.
Tourism operators are now being asked for their views through an online survey available at www.surveymonkey.com/s/DGPZVWD
The OHTIA has asked the council to hold back on signing the final contracts until the findings of the survey have been analysed.
Natural Retreats is due to come to Stornoway to give more details on their proposals for the castle next week. The company will present its plan to the local tourism industry and answer questions from island hospitality operators.
A OHTIA spokesperson said: “We hope this meeting will also give a clearer picture
of the type and grading of the accommodation on the upper floors in line with the
requirements of the tender document (which requires the tenderer to at least meet
VisitScotland 4 Star criteria for hotel accommodation or 5 star criteria for serviced
apartments or self-
They added: “CnES have committed to setting up a study to consider all tourist-
“This study will be carried out by independent consultants, and the OHTIA and individual tourism businesses will be able to provide information and input to the analysis.”
The OHTIA highlighted: “ We also ask all tourism and tourism related businesses to complete a brief survey on the castle, its intended use, information available, and what other information should be provided about the project.”