Vicki Miller

If you have not read over the findings of the latest visitor survey (11500 visitors were interviewed) then it’s a must for every tourism & hospitality operator & front line employee too -Knowing who your customers are, what has motivated them to visit, and importantly what they think about your business, their experiences and the destination they have chosen to visit, in this case Scotland, is key to staying ahead of the game!

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I’m intrigued about the how and the what are compared by the widget. It mentions utilities, and food waste, I can sort of understand taking meter readings on power use and water. I am struggling a bit on tracking food waste. I would like to see added into the algorithm distance travelled by users and their carbon footprint. Also how much the business financially benefits the local area, not just in wages but raw material purchases (food miles) and sharing of profits. Maybe a breakdown of annual or even better daily comparison of shareholders income to local income. Finally I can see this being attractive to larger operators trying to prove their credentials, what about people like us small Glamping business with 3 units.

Not long to go before ABTA's annual Travel Trends conference, landing 26 November! A host of fantastic guest speakers will be there, and I'll be revealing the latest trends we're seeing at ABTA. If you want relevant and interesting insights which help you do your job, find out more here: https://lnkd.in/e_vejxHR #travel #trends #traveltrends #consumerinsight

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🌍 The tourism industry must evolve to address the twin challenges of climate change and social inequality. A recent article from The Conversation UK highlights the urgent need for climate justice in tourism—ensuring that the benefits of travel are shared more equitably while minimising environmental impact. At Eco Attractions Group, we’re committed to promoting sustainable tourism that supports our local communities and preserves our planet. 🌱 #ClimateJustice #SustainableTourism #EcoTourism

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✈️ 🎥 BA leverages the set-jetting trend and the UK’s considerable contribution to international film and television production (estimated at 23% of productions shot in the UK in 2023) in their most recent safety film 👇 Some screen tourism facts: 🔸3 out of 5 of the biggest film franchises in the world were made in Britain 🔸 In 2022 over 220 feature films were in production in the UK 🔹 In 2019, visitor expenditure for Scottish businesses as a result of screen tourism activities accounted for £64.9M (Screen Scotland) 🔹 19% of visitors said that film, TV or literature was a source of inspiration to visit Scotland (Scotland Visitor Survey 2023) And over 30 productions are commonly cited including Outlander, Harry Potter and Braveheart. Interested in screen tourism? Read more 👉 https://lnkd.in/exUuDb2u

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From the early days of working in business development Consultancy to leading several local initiatives as well as serving as a Climate Action Leader, my journey has been driven by a passion for protecting our planet and its cultural heritage. Tourism opened my eyes to the beauty and value of our natural landscapes, from the stunning peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains to the dense jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. But it also revealed the urgent need for heritage conservation and climate action. 🌱 Through various initiatives—such as #sustainable tourism projects, environmental education, and reforestation—I have dedicated myself to the protection of our #ecosystems, promoting responsible tourism, and empowering communities to take action against climate change. Each step forward has been fueled by the belief that we can balance development with preservation, ensuring that future generations can experience these natural wonders and cultural treasures. 🌍 Let us continue this journey together, taking small actions today that will lead to a more sustainable and equitable tomorrow. #MyJourney #TourismForDevelopment #HeritageConservation #ClimateAction #RwenzoriMountains #BwindiImpenetrableForest #SustainableTourism #MusingikaTourism #ConserveNature #ActForThePlanet #TogetherForChange

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Discover what's been happening with us at Outdooractive recently 🗞️ If you are a business/organisation related in any way to tourism we can help you achieve your strategic objectives, now and in the future 🎯 ✅ Have a read how 📩

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If you are looking at ways to save money, access new audiences and introduce sustainable practices, this is a great toolkit. If you’d like some help to tailor the support to your business get in touch and book a 121 with the team!

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I've been thinking a lot lately about the role of confidence in tourism marketing and destination promotion. It can be more effective than big marketing budgets. I posted recently about the great collaboration in Ripon, and know that some of its emerging success was kick-started by an article in the Telegraph by Helen Pickles. It instilled confidence in local residents to be more positive about their area, and that generated word of mouth publicity. All peer-to-peer so more credible than paid-advertising. A long time ago I did some marketing for the area around Portobello Road in London. Local businesses were really down-hearted and didn't believe the area would ever improve. We managed to get a journalist to write about developments and improvements in a local paper. That one article changed attitudes overnight: the external endorsement was far more powerful than internal discussions. We were able to build on it to increase self-belief so that the local businesses were more ready to collaborate and promote themselves. Now we assume Notting Hill has always been a popular visitor destination: it used to look very different. Visitors sense when places doubt themselves, and don't like destinations without local pride or sense of purpose. Malton has been incredibly successful in re-positioning itself: self-belief & self-determination have played a strong part, generating confidence and positivity. Those qualities are very attractive to visitors. #Sheffield is another great example. For a long time the city was quite down on itself. Change felt piece-meal and temporary. Now it's becoming more obvious how the long-planned changes are having an impact. As the older buildings evolve, so do attitudes. Confidence is growing along with the new buildings. The arts have been important. I was dubious when I first heard about the Crucible's "Standing at the Sky's Edge" production, yet when I saw it I was bowled over by it (and loved all the Henderson's references & merch). Its transfer to London has raised more awareness and confidence, as have the many festivals and events. I recently heard that Pete McKee was going to 'touch up' his painting on the side of a pub. When he came to do it, they found the plaster was cracking and falling off. In the old Sheffield days I think this would have stopped the endeavour or there would have some papering over the cracks. The new Sheffield mentality wasn't happy with that though: the wall was rendered and Pete McKee given a blank slate to paint on. The old favourite 'snogging couple' has been painted back, just as it was but looking fresher - like the rest of Sheffield. Even this relatively small thing builds confidence and loyalty, encouraging residents to harness their local pride to shout about their city. It's inspiring and uplifting to see. It doesn't cost a fortune, but the word of mouth publicity is so valuable and lasts much longer than most paid-for destination marketing campaigns.

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A Saturday morning reminder on the crucial role The BTA members play in economic growth. It’s also a Saturday morning reminder of the diverse range of services that TMCs provide to corporates as they manage their most valuable assets, their employees, safely, efficiently, sustainably and cost effectively around the globe. It’s a Saturday morning reminder that TMCs are the glue that stick the deliberately fragmented content back together again to serve the corporate buyer and traveller. It’s a Saturday morning reminder that in the corporate space, booking in direct via a TMC is absolutely the best. #businesstravel #corporatetravel #yourbta #travelmanagement #indirectisbest

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The World Travel & Tourism Council sees a significant surge in the number of global businesses in the sector committing to net-zero emissions. #Travel #Tourism #TourismInsights #SustainableTourism #Sustainability #TravelAndTourism #NetZeroRoadmap #sustainableaviationfuel #climate #environment #ecofriendly #COP29 https://lnkd.in/dxzHzKs9

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An interesting talk with Tina O'Dwyer, Debbie Clarke and Asta Kristin Sigurjonsdottir at World Travel Market (WTM) London today on #RegenerativeTourism and designing compelling experiences. 🌱 It’s great to know that Unmissable England's Experience Maker Workshops are on the right track for developing regenerative experiences for visitors here in the UK. By focusing on regenerative tourism, they’re not only enhancing the visitor experience but also ensuring that local communities benefit directly from tourism. Our workshops are crucial in fostering more sustainable, community-centered tourism that helps preserve the environment and cultural heritage, while also boosting local economies. By developing these types of experiences, England is positioning itself as a leader in responsible tourism that truly values both people and place. It’s exciting to see these efforts taking shape and creating a ripple effect for the future of travel. https://lnkd.in/eA4nGhfh #WTM2024 #WTMLONDON

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“Our visitor spending has increased significantly over pre-pandemic levels,” Jobe pointed out. “Local tax revenues have increased year-over-year, employment is up and we are seeing continued growth in every sector of our industry. Tourism is absolutely an economic engine for southwest Illinois and it’s great to see that reflected in these new tourism numbers.” The six county Great Rivers & Routes region generated a local economic impact of $827 million and contributed to an increase in visitor spending across Illinois in 2023. In addition, this boost in tourism contributed $31.6 in local tax revenue while directly supporting 6,218 jobs in the tourism and hospitality industry in the region. In 2019, the region generated a local economic impact of $735 million. Spending in the region has increased by over $92 million since the pandemic. #enjoyillinois #riversandroutes #southwestillinois #tourism #records

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#ipw2024 in Los Angeles is about to start! Sustainable Journeys are here to meet with people and places who want to enable UK visitors to explore the USA, California and Los Angeles in a better more responsible way, by sharing how to visit sustainably. Last year, in a pioneering move, Los Angeles joined the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), of which we're also a member. Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board is a key force in LA's vibrant tourism sector and joining GSTC underscores the city's commitment to harnessing tourism as a sustainable economic and community development tool. Generating significant tax revenues and supporting numerous jobs, the tourism industry is integral to improving the quality of life for all Angelenos. Under the former Mayor Eric Garcetti, the city launched the ambitious Green New Deal, aimed at achieving 100% renewable energy by 2045 and other significant environmental targets. This plan, along with the 2020 Tourism Master Plan (TMP), sets a comprehensive roadmap towards managing tourism growth responsibly—balancing economic benefits with environmental sustainability and community welfare. The TMP outlines strategies for a Sustainable Tourism Program, involving key partners like the Los Angeles City Tourism Department and the Department of Cultural Affairs, to mitigate tourism's environmental impact and enhance local stakeholder engagement. In addition, a GSTC Destination Sustainability Assessment launched for Los Angeles County, aiming to leverage the GSTC Criteria to boost destination sustainability and inform strategic stewardship initiatives. Adam Burke, President and CEO of Los Angeles Tourism, expressed enthusiasm about joining GSTC, emphasising the goal to ensure tourism in LA is managed sustainably, benefiting every community across the region. Randy Durband, GSTC CEO, commended LA for its proactive steps towards sustainability, noting the transformative potential of responsible tourism to preserve cultural and natural resources, bolster local economies, and promote global understanding and peace. By joining GSTC, Los Angeles sets a precedent for major cities to follow, highlighting the importance of strategic, sustainable tourism management in urban settings. This initiative not only promises to safeguard LA's diverse cultural and environmental assets but also positions the city as a leader in the global movement towards more responsible and sustainable tourism practices. I look forward to discussing with Francine Sheridan and Hayley French how we can focus on this approach to sustainable tourism to change the narrative with visitors to equally enjoy and care for the destination, supporting sustainable Los Angeles. Visit California Brand USA U.S. Travel Association #SustainableTourism The image is courtesy of LA non-profit The Gentle Barn Foundation Facebook. A hug with Crystal the cow is just one way to support the place you visit! Find out more: www.gentlebarn.org

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Interesting views and insights from Eoghan O'Mara Walsh of Irish Tourism Industry Confederation - ITIC and Catherine Flanagan of AVEA - Association of Visitor Experiences & Attractions on where tourism priorities sit within the political party manifestos. A good suggestion for anyone involved in the sector – make sure to ask candidates and canvassers over the coming weeks in the build up to #GE2024 polling date what are their plans and objectives for tourism over the coming years. While issues such as housing, healthcare and education are always top of the agenda, tourism is the backbone of the Irish economy and is particularly important to regional Ireland. #Tourism #GE2024

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Have you checked out this significant report from the Travel & Tourism sector that is putting a nature positive agenda first?

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📰 CLIENT OPINION PIECE 📰 Could this be the pivotal moment tourism’s been waiting for? Thoughts from Marc Crothall MBE The Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) ‘The new UK Labour government’s manifesto is all about change as we know, with references to ‘turning the page’, ‘rebuilding our country’ and ‘kick-starting economic growth’. Over the past few years (and indeed in many that came before), hospitality businesses have contended with vastly increased operational costs, reduced income due to the cost of living crisis, a skills gap, recruitment and housing crises, transport infrastructure issues and continued increases in taxation across a raft of new and existing policies. Change in my view, as CEO of the Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) the overarching representative body for Scotland’s tourism and hospitality industry, brings with it expectation and opportunity, but is this the pivotal moment that one of Scotland’s most important sectors has been waiting for?’ Read in full 👇🏼

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