Developing a national “Gaelic spoken” badge as well as ambassadors
for language are some of the measures in Scotland’s first Gaelic tourism
strategy.
The five-year plan is aimed at boosting the use Gaelic in the tourism industry, using the language and culture as a “unique selling point” to market to visitors.
Among a range of actions set out in the document drawn up by national tourism body VisitScotland are plans to develop and promote a national “Gaelic spoken” badge.
Other actions include encouraging Gaelic musicians to take an ambassadorial role for Scotland and creating Gaelic hospitality ambassadors.
Setting up modern apprenticeships for using the language in hospitality also forms part of the strategy, as does supporting the promotion of bespoke Gaelic tour guides.
Culture, Tourism and External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop launched the document at The Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh.
She said: “The Scottish Government is committed to securing the future of the Gaelic language and this strategy focuses on the potential Gaelic has to add to the authentic experience we provide for our visitors.
“Tourism is one of our key growth sectors and, by increasing the profile of Gaelic in our tourism industry, we not only provide an authentic Scottish experience, but we also benefit the economy through attracting even more visitors to Scotland. This strategy aims to harness that potential.”
VisitScotland chairman Lord Thurso said Gaelic is “under used” to promote tourism, adding: “VisitScotland looks forward to engaging with partners and businesses to develop and market Gaelic as a tourism tool.”
The five-year plan is aimed at boosting the use Gaelic in the tourism industry, using the language and culture as a “unique selling point” to market to visitors.
Among a range of actions set out in the document drawn up by national tourism body VisitScotland are plans to develop and promote a national “Gaelic spoken” badge.
Other actions include encouraging Gaelic musicians to take an ambassadorial role for Scotland and creating Gaelic hospitality ambassadors.
Setting up modern apprenticeships for using the language in hospitality also forms part of the strategy, as does supporting the promotion of bespoke Gaelic tour guides.
Culture, Tourism and External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop launched the document at The Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh.
She said: “The Scottish Government is committed to securing the future of the Gaelic language and this strategy focuses on the potential Gaelic has to add to the authentic experience we provide for our visitors.
“Tourism is one of our key growth sectors and, by increasing the profile of Gaelic in our tourism industry, we not only provide an authentic Scottish experience, but we also benefit the economy through attracting even more visitors to Scotland. This strategy aims to harness that potential.”
VisitScotland chairman Lord Thurso said Gaelic is “under used” to promote tourism, adding: “VisitScotland looks forward to engaging with partners and businesses to develop and market Gaelic as a tourism tool.”
