VisitScotland and SLTA in bid to attract tourists to pubs
VisitScotland and the Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA) have teamed up to improve standards at Scottish pubs in order to attract more tourists.
The move comes after research showed that 75% of international visitors and 61% of UK visitors eat in pubs.
The initiative involves doing more to publicise SLTA members to tourists by listing them on www.scotlandsbestbars.com, a new area on VisitScotland's food and drink website.
Other elements of the partnership include consideration of a new category for pubs and bars in VisitScotland's annual Scottish Thistle Awards.
Today also sees the launch of Best Bars, a new quality scheme designed to highlight and promote good bars, pubs and inns across Scotland. The scheme, which has been developed in partnership with the industry including several SLTA members, sees bars being assessed through an incognito visit by one of VisitScotland's quality advisors. The assessment will look at factors from ambience and service to how the business encourages responsible drinking.
One of the first 20 businesses to join the scheme is Edinburgh's Tigerlily, which hosted a launch event attended by Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead. He said: "Scotland's licensed trade plays a crucial part of our tourism offering. Tourism brings a revenue of £4 billion and supports 200,000 jobs. One pound in every £5 spent by a visitor in Scotland is on food and drink-related activities, therefore it makes sense that the two industries work closely together.
"The Best Bar scheme launched today is designed to reward businesses that embrace responsible drinking and create a hospitable atmosphere; quality is paramount and the new Best Bars scheme will help to give visitors reassurance that they will receive a warm Scottish welcome."
Paul Waterson, chief executive of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, said: "The latest research shows that Scotland's bars and pubs have a vital role to play in the continuing success of tourism in Scotland. Tourists from both the UK and overseas like what SLTA members have on offer. We have licensed premises to suit all tastes from traditional pubs to theme bars, from family friendly gastro pubs to style bars. Our outlets very often showcase the best in Scottish food, locally brewed beers and of course Scotch whisky and liqueurs. And what better place for tourists to get information and meet people than in our pubs and bars."
Riddell Graham, VisitScotland's director of partnerships, said: "Pubs and bars are very important for visitors. Locally sourced food, knowledgeable staff and a focus on providing a friendly and welcoming atmosphere all make a difference to a visitor's experience in Scotland. Already a fifth of the amount that visitors spend in Scotland is on food and drink and there is real potential for us to increase that. Our partnership with SLTA is a major step towards driving up standards even further and encouraging more visitors to enjoy our highest quality pubs and bars."
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By Neil Gerrard
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