Fife joins pilot project to support sustainable tourism for lasting benefits
Fife has been selected to take part in a new initiative designed to support sustainable tourism across Scotland.
The region is one of four destinations chosen to join VisitScotland's Sustainable Destination Development Project.
The year-long programme will see the Welcome to Fife team within Fife Council, work with VisitScotland and GDS-Movement - a pioneering, data-driven international change agency that acts to catalyse socio-economic and environmental transformation in cities and regions across the world - to undertake an independent assessment of the region's sustainable growth plans.
The pilot aims to support the responsible growth of tourism and events in Fife, helping to bring lasting benefits to local communities, businesses, culture and the environment.
Participating destinations will receive tailored guidance and practical tools, including clear priorities, action plans, and measures to track progress and support long-term sustainable development.
Caroline Warburton, VisitScotland destination development director, said: “This exciting pilot reflects our ongoing work with industry and partners to make Scotland a more economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable destination.
"Fife is already showing leadership in this area, through Welcome to Fife’s commitment to the Glasgow Declaration for Responsible Tourism which they signed in 2024.
“This project will build on this strong foundation, with an initial focus on the delivery of sustainable events, to help ensure communities, businesses and places across the region benefit from a thriving visitor economy."
Hilary Roberts, tourism lead officer for Welcome to Fife, said: "Sustainability is a key priority in the Fife Tourism Strategy, and Welcome to Fife has strengthened its commitment by developing a climate action plan to ensure a sector focus on environmental, social and economic sustainability.
"Being chosen to be included in the Sustainable Destination Development Programme has been a huge boost for us to get expert advice and help as to how to best deliver and measure the aims and ambitions of that Climate Action Plan. Through this we will continue improve sustainability through our tourism offering and events."
VisitScotland's project supports the ambitions of Scotland Outlook 2030, Scotland’s national tourism strategy, and complements the Fife Council’s wider sustainable growth activity.
Destinations across Scotland were invited to apply and then successful applications were selected against agreed criteria, including partnership working, strategic alignment and commitment to delivery.