VisitScotland first national tourist organisation to join Tourism Declares Initiative

That this House welcomes VisitScotland’s commitment to playing a leading role in the development of Scotland as a globally-recognised responsible destination by becoming the first national tourism organisation in the world to join the Tourism Declares Initiative; congratulates partners comprising one hundred travel groups, businesses and individuals including Wild Scotland and Sail Scotland who have declared under the banner Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency; commends the formation of that Initiative which recognises the importance of balancing business survival with a sustainable and responsible recovery from the covid-19 outbreak; and notes that that Initiative encourages positive contributions towards addressing climate change ahead of COP26 including reducing emissions, working with communities and focusing on responsible, green tourism, in line with Scottish Government’s targets to become net-zero by 2045, and the national tourism strategy, Scotland Outlook 2030, as well as a long-term commitment to increase promotion of public transport and active travel.