Scottish food tourism strategy targets an additional £1bn in revenue by 2030

Nicola Sturgeon has launched a new, nationwide food tourism strategy aimed at delivering an additional £1bn to Scotland’s economy by 2030.

The Food Tourism Scotland Action Plan includes plans to create a food tourism apprenticeship programme, boost marketing for food and drink tourism and support the top 100 visitor attractions to achieve ‘Taste Our Best’, the quality assurance accreditation scheme.

With visitors to Scotland already spending around £1bn on food and drink each year, the industry’s plans would see spending on food and drink tourism double.

The First Minister made the announcement during a trip to Arran.

She said: “This action plan will bring together everyone in the food and tourism sectors to build on that success story.

“Many great things are already happening - here in Arran I’ve seen how quality local produce can attract visitors and enhance their experience of Scotland. Now is the time for everyone to work together to make sure that we can make the most of everything this growing sector has to offer.”

The industry is also planning a further programme of ‘Showcasing Scotland’ events aimed at bringing regional buyers and suppliers together.

James Withers, chief executive of Scotland Food and Drink, said: “Scottish food and drink is sold all over the world, from five-star hotels in Dubai to top bars in New York, but we want to ensure visitors in Scotland to have the same world-class eating and drinking experience. There are already many pockets of success but we want a new, nationwide approach to food tourism.

“Eating and drinking is one guaranteed activity that every visitor in Scotland will undertake. We know that a good, local food and drink experience is what visitors want, it drives spend in our tourism businesses and it supports local producers. Above all though, it builds Scotland food, drink and tourism reputation on the world stage.

“The hard work to make Scotland a global food tourism destination begins now. But with two powerhouse industries of tourism and food and drink working together alongside government, we will make it happen. There is a huge economic and reputational prize awaiting us if we get this right.”