Scottish Government Debate: Inclusive Tourism, Promoting Accessible Tourism and Changing Lives Through the Visitor Economy

Fiona Hyslop S5M-04576 That the Parliament recognises the vital role that tourism plays in Scotland's prosperity, not only in its direct economic impact, but in the many ways that it can help to tackle the inequalities that exist in society; notes the recent collaboration by VisitScotland, the Family Holiday Association, Historic Environment Scotland and the many industry partners to provide ScotSpirit Breaks for families in difficult circumstances, which has shown the positive impact that the industry can have on improving the lives and life-chances of people who are not able to step outside their everyday routine; commends organisations such as Euan’s Guide for their work with public partners and private sectors in making tourism more inclusive through the development of access statements for facilities and services, along with accessible travel itineraries; congratulates destinations and individual businesses, right across Scotland, on how they are making use of these tools to help widen opportunities, not only for people with permanent disabilities, but also parents with young children, senior travellers and people with temporary injuries and their travel companions; considers that tourism is for everyone, and welcomes the continued support of public and private partners and the tourism industry itself in their willingness to work together, aiming to further develop inclusive tourism as an overarching approach so that all of Scotland can reap the many social and economic benefits that it can bring. Dean Lockhart S5M-04576.1 As an amendment to motion S5M-04576 in the name of Fiona Hyslop (Inclusive Tourism, Promoting Accessible Tourism and Changing Lives Through the Visitor Economy), insert at end ''and to further promote Scotland as an accessible visitor destination for all tourists from other parts of the UK and worldwide.'' Lewis Macdonald S5M-04576.2 As an amendment to motion S5M-04576 in the name of Fiona Hyslop (Inclusive Tourism, Promoting Accessible Tourism and Changing Lives Through the Visitor Economy), insert at end ", and looks forward to the implementation of section 179 of the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010, which will make reporting on accessibility a condition of licensing applications and renewals." Tavish Scott S5M-04576.3 As an amendment to motion S5M-04576 in the name of Fiona Hyslop (Inclusive Tourism, Promoting Accessible Tourism and Changing Lives Through the Visitor Economy), insert at end “; acknowledges that the cost of travel to and from the Northern Isles serves as a barrier for many families and individuals; notes, for example, that households with at least one disabled family member are more likely to live in poverty, and agrees that a reduction in ferry fares to Orkney and Shetland would extend the potential of accessible tourism to the whole of Scotland.”