650+ jobs supported by HIE in Inner Moray Firth in 2023/24
There was support for businesses and social enterprises to lower emissions and improve efficiencies within their operations.
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DMOs are formalised membership organisations representing local tourism providers, with many involved in regional level partnership working.
The HIE funding is mainly targeted at strategically important DMOs in the Highlands and Islands that already have established relationships with the agency’s area teams.
Many member businesses have benefited from increased turnover and networking opportunities as a result of their DMO’s activities, which are determined by the specific needs of their area.
In recent weeks DMOs have focused on co-ordination and communication among communities and local tourism providers as the they reopen to visitors. They have also helped provide clarity on government guidelines.
The role of DMOs is expected to become more pivotal as the sector continues to reopen, and the region’s destinations and communities welcome back more visitors.
The increasingly challenging task of securing operational funding has been exacerbated by the loss of commercial revenue over the past few months.
VisitScotland provided essential short-term support with the Tourism Destination and Sector Support Fund as part of the COVID-19 response. Many DMOs also benefited from the Scottish Government’s pivotal enterprise resilience funding.
The HIE funding will build on this to help make sure they are sufficiently resourced to play a vital role in the recovery of tourism across the Highlands and Islands.
It will be administered by the agency’s area teams and targeted at supporting strategically important activities. These could include collaboration projects, member representation and networking, as well as community engagement and support and responsible management of destinations.
Carroll Buxton, HIE’s deputy chief executive, said:
“Tourism is central to our regional economy and a vital source of rural employment. DMOs provide valuable co-ordinated support for the sector, tailored to the specific needs of their areas.
“It’s clear that the industry will become even more reliant on these groups as we progress through the recovery stages.
“Our role is to help them to be as effective as possible in this process. We have approved this investment to complement wider public sector support for DMOs in the region from organisations such as VisitScotland and from local authorities.
“We look forward to working with all our partners to achieve a successful and sustainable recovery of our tourism sector.”
Tourism Secretary Fergus Ewing said:
“A safe and strong recovery for all of our communities will be key to the future success of Scotland, and we have worked closely with HIE, and our other enterprise agencies, to minimise the impact of this pandemic.
“Place is at the heart of our vision for 21st Century tourism in Scotland and our destination management organisations will play an important role in making that vision a reality.
“Recovery will be slow, but I very much welcome today’s announcement by HIE, as will, I am sure, those organisations and communities on which our tourism sector depends.”
There was support for businesses and social enterprises to lower emissions and improve efficiencies within their operations.
As a result of HIE’s support, businesses in Moray are forecast to see combined turnover rise by more than £85m and international sales by almost £14m.
The project is expected to continue to attract innovative marine businesses, creating new well-paid job opportunities, particularly for young people, and encouraging entrepreneurship.
As a result of HIE support, businesses in the area will see total turnover rise by £14.5m and international sales by £1.9m.
Figures show HIE approved £1.5m investment across 18 Shetland projects in 2023-24
Figures compiled by HIE show that businesses and communities supported by the agency in 2023/24 are set to create or retain more than 1,200 jobs across the region.
Beinn an Tuirc Distillery is investigating the development of two new canned ready to drink (RTD) cocktail recipes.
£250k helped leverage a further £3.6m in national investment
A programme of remedial works to bring Scotland’s only funicular railway back into service at Cairngorm Mountain is entering a new phase during week beginning Monday 15 April.
HIE funding will support the element of the project that focuses specifically on reducing carbon emissions and energy costs.
The Tapestry of the Highlands and Islands exhibition has been created by communities across the region as part of the Spirit of the Highlands and Islands Project.
The owners have secured up to £175,900 investment from HIE towards the works, which will help boost annual turnover and support local jobs.