Press release -
Bringing in the wedding bells
Welcome changes in the law, which will allow same-sex couples to wed in Scotland, not only significantly enhance social equalities but could also help further the country’s global reputation as a LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex) friendly tourist destination, VisitScotland has said.
With the first same-sex weddings due to take place tomorrow (31 Dec), the national tourism organisation believes that the new legislation could see Scotland become a destination of choice for couples looking to get married, boosting tourism and presenting a new opportunity for the industry.
Scotland already has a considerable market in marriage tourism with almost a quarter of all marriages coming from couples who live outside the country
A recent LGBTI travel study by VisitScotland revealed that on average 84% of respondents would consider visiting Scotland to get married.
The same research also found that over three quarters (77%) of respondents consider Scotland to be a LGBTI friendly destination, while almost two-thirds (64%) of LGBTI visitors were regular or occasional visitors to Scotland.
Common factors for visiting include scenery, landscape and culture, as well as the friendliness of Scots. Interestingly, of those who had visited Scotland in the last year, 62% had enjoyed a rural/countryside/coastal break and 38% a city break which shows the significant potential of LGBTI tourism for organisations and businesses in both rural and urban settings.
However, when asked what Scotland could provide to ensure an even warmer welcome to LGBTI visitors in 2014 and beyond, many respondents suggested providing more and better information.
With that in mind, VisitScotland has refreshed its online offering to ensure LGBTI visitors have access to the latest information. A dedicated webpage with information on what to see and do, events and marriage information is now live on the national tourism organisation’s website, visitscotland.com.
The opportunity around LGBTI tourism and same-sex marriage is clear and VisitScotland is keen to work with the industry to realise its potential, extending a warm welcome to LGBTI visitors from near and far.
Chris McCoy, VisitScotland Equality and Diversity Manager, said:
“As well as its scenery, landmarks and events, Scotland is famous for its warm welcome. Whilst the perception of being made to feel welcome in Scotland is quite high among LGBTI Scottish visitors, there is still room for improvement, particularly amongst visitors outside of the country.
“Through communication channels and ongoing work with the industry, VisitScotland is developing and enhancing the information that is available to LGBTI visitors both before and during their trip to ensure Scotland is viewed as a progressive, inclusive and safe place to visit. The recent change in legislation will be a vital part of this and provides considerable opportunities for Scotland to market to couples as a destination for same-sex marriage.”
For more information visit www.visitscotland.com/lgbt
For further information contact:
| Louise Purves Corporate Press Officer Tel: 0131 472 2052 Out of hours media enquiries: 07699 766986 |
Topics
- Tourism
Categories
- corporate communications
Regions
- Scotland
Notes to Editors:
- Follow us on twitter: @visitscotnews
- VisitScotland is Scotland’s national tourism organisation. Its core purpose is to maximise the economic benefit of tourism to Scotland.
- The organisation has three key roles:
- To market Scotland to all parts of the world to attract visitors
- To provide information – and inspiration – to visitors and potential visitors so they get the best out of a visit to Scotland
- To provide quality assurance to visitors and quality advice to the industry and partners to help the industry meet and strive to exceed customer expectations
- VisitScotland works together with tourism businesses to make tourism a success for everyone and ensure the industry continues to grow.
- The organisation employs 700 people and has offices and VisitScotland Information Centres across Scotland.
- 2014 is the year Scotland welcomes the world, when it hosts the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles and more than 1000 Homecoming events throughout the country.For more information on Homecoming Scotland 2014, go to www.visitscotland.com
- The VisitScotland Information Centre network is a unique face-to-face channel engaging with around five million visitors and locals each year. Everyone who uses a VisitScotland Information Centre goes on to spend an additional £5.35, generating over £24 million for Scotland’s economy.
- According to a recent Deloitte study, tourism employs 270,000 people in Scotland in 20,000 diverse businesses. The same study calculates that the industry contributes £11 billion annually (direct and indirect impact, including day visits) and supports around 10 per cent of employment in Scotland. Almost 16 million tourists take overnight trips to Scotland.
- Where possible, a Gaelic speaker will be made available for broadcast interviews on request (Far an tèid iarraidh, agus far am bheil sin nar comas, bruidhinnidh neach le Gàidhlig aig agallamh)
- For holiday information on Scotland go to www.visitscotland.com
- For information about business tourism in Scotland go to www.conventionscotland.com
- For more information on VisitScotland’s annual review please go to www.visitscotland.org/about_us/our_focus/annual_report.aspx
