News

VisitScotland bosses are caught up in a slanging match with the country’s new devolved government amid claims it hasn’t got the resources to promote tourism.

Ambitious plans to open a £1 million visitor centre in London’s Covent Garden and the creation of a dedicated US sales team have been shelved because of a budget shortfall.

Now VisitScotland’s new management board has delayed approving the Scottish Executive’s preferred budget for the year, despite the fact it is £9 million higher than two years ago. VisitScotland had hoped for a £40 million budget and its management board is seeking showdown talks with the Scottish tourism minister Mike Watson.

It has been offered £28 million for 2002/03 instead which has been described as “more than adequate” for the former Scottish Tourist Board to do its job.

The spokesman for the Scottish Executive said: “We reject VisitScotland’s claims. Funding for tourism has actually been increasing on a regular basis and continues to do so. We are committed to developing tourism and we believe the current funding situation is more than adequate.”

A leaked letter from VisitScotland director of corporate services Hugh Hall to the Scottish Executive head of tourism Neil Stewart read: “You should note members did not approve the plan on the basis of their firm belief that VisitScotland does not have sufficient financial resources to deliver what is required by the department and industry.”

VisitScotland has also been forced to ditch plans for a joint marketing drive with low-cost airlines. International promotion campaigns have also been quashed.

VisitScotland refused to comment, stating it will only talk to the Scottish Executive.