Stornoway tourist office to be axed amid VisitScotland information centre closures

VisitScotland will close its network of information centres over the next two years it has been announced.

The decision will impact the organisation’s last remaining tourist office in the Western Isles.

The Visit Scotland-run tourist information office in Stornoway town centre will shut as a result.

All VisitScotland information centres will operate as usual until the end of September as part of phased two-year closure programme. It is currently engaging with stakeholders to discuss local arrangements.

It previously closed tourist offices in Lochmaddy, Lochboisdale, Castlebay and Tarbert around six years ago though private or community ventures continued to provide some information services for visitors.

Visit Scotland says most holidaymakers use online resources and travel specialists to research and book their trips. This includes arranging accommodation and activities before they arrive at their destination.

The body said it will invest in a digital-first strategy, directing promotional activities onto popular internet sites.

Lord Thurso, VisitScotland chairman, said:“The tourism landscape has changed significantly in recent years.

“The demand for iCentres has reduced while the demand for online information and booking has continued to grow.

“In order to continue building demand and growing the value of tourism and events, it is vitally important that we target channels we know visitors use to influence them to visit Scotland.

“Our research shows that as an organisation, we have a greater and more impactful role to play in providing information before visitors travel.

“Prioritising a digital-first model of information provision allows us to reach potential visitors at those early planning stages when we can shape their future travel decisions.

“Together with businesses and our partners, we want to build on success and ensure that across all areas of our work – marketing, destination development, business advice, insights and events - we prioritise the activities that will deliver for our industry and for Scotland.

“By evolving our work in this way, we will be able to invest in the activities that will accelerate sustainable growth in the visitor economy, helping create jobs, sustain communities and attract investment for the future.”

John Lamont, UK Minister for Scotland, criticised the move and urged the Scottish Government to consider the impact on the economy of places where tourism plays a “huge” role.

He said online tourism is “not available to all and these centres from Lerwick to Dumfries ensure vital information can be accessed by those tourists, particularly the elderly.”

Stornoway tourist office to be axed amid VisitScotland information centre network shutdown plans

27 March 2024