Nature tourism important to economy, says expert

The boss of a Scottish adventure travel firm has highlighted the role nature tourism can play in generating revenue.

Paul Easto, chief executive of Aviemore-based Wildneress Scotland, has said nature-based tourism, which he believes includes everything from wildlife guided tours to rock climbing, shouldn't be seen as a niche sector or an add-on to other holidays.

Tourism figures show the sector contributed £1.4bn to the Scottish economy last year. Mr Easto wants businesses in the industry to work together to promote Scotland internationally.  

He told the Scotsman newspaper: "Nature-based tourism isn't about high-volume, it's about high-value.

"Overseas tourists spend an average of about £68 a day while they're in Scotland but someone taking part in an organised wildlife watching activity could spend that on a day's guided tour, even before you take into account accommodation or meals."

Mr Easto is due to give a keynote speech at the Wild Scotland 2011 Conference which starts in Perth tomorrow.

Scotland's tourism sector is expected to receive a welcome boost following the arrival of two giant pandas at Edinburgh Zoo yesterday. It's anticipated visitor numbers at the zoo could rise by as much as 70 per cent over the next 12 months.

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