STB still planning change of name

The Scottish Tourist Board (STB) said this week that it still hopes to change its name to visitscotland in time for the peak summer holiday season, despite fierce opposition ridiculing it.

Former STB chief executive Tom Buncle resigned in November after a management report was published attacking the organisation's leadership. No replacement has yet emerged.

Last year, Buncle and the STB were criticised by hoteliers for allegedly failing to combat a downturn in tourism.

A spokesman for the STB said: "This is not just about a change of name, it is about a complete change of culture. One of the areas that has been seen to be weak is our relationship with the industry. We will be communicating more with the industry in the future."

The Forum of Private Business (FPB) in Scotland is among those who have attacked the name change. Campaign manager Bill Anderson said: "We think it is a daft idea. It is unnecessary and it is not a natural name for Scotland's tourist board."

The STB said that the change would not cost £10m, as rumoured, adding that it would "sit comfortably" with its Web site address: www.visitscotland.com

Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 15-21 February 2001