Graeme Dey Praises New Action Plan to Increase Food & Drink Tourism
Graeme Dey MSP for Angus South Constituency has hailed a new plan to develop food and drink tourism in Scotland, that aims to deliver an additional £1 billion to Scotland’s economy by 2030.
The industry-led ‘Food Tourism Scotland Action Plan’, announced by the Scottish Government this week, sets out a range of actions to maximise the potential of two of Scotland’s most successful sectors – tourism and food and 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.
Measures in the plan include:
•The creation of a food tourism apprenticeship programme
•Supporting the top 100 visitor attractions to achieve ‘Taste Our Best’, the quality assurance accreditation scheme promoting local sourcing
•Improved marketing for food and drink tourism
•Creating the next generation of agri-tourism monitor farms to stimulate diversification
•A further programme of Showcasing Scotland events – bringing regional buyers and suppliers together
The announcement comes ahead of 2018’s Scottish Food and Drink fortnight running from 1st to 16th September.
Commenting on the news, Graeme Dey MSP said:
“Scotland is already renowned worldwide for its top quality produce, and Angus South is no exception as our local food & drink industry continues to grow year on year.
“The work currently being undertaken by Angus South distillers, Ogilvy Vodka and Gin Bothy, to develop visitor centres shows the potential for food and drink tourism.
“The success of these companies and others Angus South is something that those involved with them should be proud of.
“This latest announcement by the Scottish Government, looks to build on these success stories by bringing together organisations from across in the food and tourism sectors.
“With around £1 billion being spent on food on drink by visitors each year, the economic benefits are clear.
ENDS
