Nairn BID was represented at a regional gathering of self-catering and tourism businesses in Fort William on November 4, as operators from across the Highlands came together to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, including the proposed Highland Visitor Levy.
Nairn BID manager, Lucy Harding, attended the event, organised by the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC), the trade body representing Scotland’s self-catering accommodation sector. Self-catering operators account for around a third of Nairn BID’s membership, while accommodation providers as a whole make up approximately half.
Lucy said: “I think it’s important to attend events like this because around half of our membership are accommodation providers, and virtually all our businesses depend on the increase in population we see every year as a result of people coming to stay in Nairn. Tourism is hugely important to our local economy, and it’s vital that the voices of our businesses are heard when decisions are being made that could have a significant impact on the sector.”
Held at the West Highland Cinema, the gathering covered a range of issues, including the current regulatory landscape, the proposed visitor levy and the importance of changing the narrative around tourism to make it a more popular and positive force in Scotland and the Highlands.
Panel members included Ruiridh Stewart from Highland Council and Fraser Coupland, Chief Executive of West Highland Chamber of Commerce. The audience included self-catering operators from across the Highlands, alongside businesses providing support services to the accommodation sector, with several booking and industry support organisations also exhibiting during the breaks.
Representatives from BID Fort William and Visit Inverness Loch Ness were also in attendance.
Following the main programme, a further meeting provided an opportunity for businesses to explore in more detail what the proposed Highland Visitor Levy could mean for their operations. This session was attended by Malcolm Macleod from Highland Council, alongside two Highland councillors.
The discussions highlighted considerable uncertainty among operators, with many questioning why the proposals are being progressed when so many questions remain unanswered. In particular, concerns were raised about the lack of detailed information on the potential economic impact of the levy and the implications for businesses, visitors and the wider Highland economy.
A similar meeting will take place in Nairn today, giving local businesses the opportunity to hear more, ask questions and share their views.
Businesses are encouraged to take part in the Highland Council’s public consultation, which is open until November 30. Responses can be submitted online at engage.highland.gov.uk, while paper copies are also available from local libraries and service points.
The Council is due to consider whether to take the proposals forward on December 10, making the consultation an important opportunity for businesses, residents and other interested parties to have their say.
Businesses wishing to attend the Nairn meeting can book tickets through Ticket Tailor.
On November 26 from 1-4pm, Inverness BID will host an informal in-person drop-in opportunity for businesses, visitors and members of the public to pop in and chat with Council staff on the proposed Visitor Levy Scheme and ask questions about the proposal or the consultation process. This event will be held at Inverness Library.
