Scotland unveils plan to increase food & drink tourism

A new plan to develop food & drink tourism in Scotland will aim to deliver an additional £1 billion to Scotland’s economy by 2030.

The industry-led Food Tourism Scotland Action Plan, launched today by the industry and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on the Isle of Arran, sets out a range of actions to maximise the potential of two of Scotland’s most successful sectors – tourism and food & drink.

Visitors to Scotland already spend around £1 billion a year on food and drink. The action plan aims to unlock the growth potential and secure an extra £1 billion spend on local produce.

The plan will see a food tourism apprenticeship programme, improved marketing for food & drink tourism and further Showcasing Scotland events.

It will also support the top 100 visitor attractions to achieve ‘Taste Our Best’, a quality assurance accreditation scheme promoting local sourcing.

Making the announcement the First Minister said: “Scotland is already renowned as the land of food and drink, with our quality produce known throughout the world. With around £1 billion being spent on food and drink by visitors each year, the economic benefits are clear.”

She added: “This action plan will bring together everyone is the food and tourism sectors to build on that success story.”

James Withers, Chief Executive of Scotland Food & Drink said: “There are already many pockets of success but we want a new nationwide approach to food tourism. Eating and drinking is one guaranteed activity that every visitor in Scotland will undertake.”

“We know that a good, local food and drink experience is what visitors want, it drives spend in our tourism businesses and it supports local producers. Above all though, it builds Scotland food, drink and tourism reputation on the world stage.”

The Food Tourism Scotland Action Plan can be read in fullhere.