Tourism and communities

Tourism impacts on all communities, but it depends to whom you speak whether it is viewed positively or not. Regardless of personal views, it is increasingly important that we see tourism as something that can sustain local businesses, in often remote communities, and can provide a keen and enthusiastic audience for efforts that celebrate local cultural and heritage diversity. Without tourists many essential services would be lost to communities, and opportunities to conserve our heritage assets would be that much more difficult. Our language, culture, history, landscapes and wildlife are what sets the Highlands and Islands apart from everywhere else and this is why people come here. For many visitors are a vital fabric of the community. Many communities recognise this relationship and take active measures to provide a welcoming experience for visitors - but we can all do this better. HIE is active in supporting initiatives that better connect our visitors with our outstanding natural, cultural and historical inheritance. Use the links in the right hand menu and in the Links Page to obtain further information on how tourism can connect with the heritage and culture of our communities - the very life-blood of the Highlands and Islands.