A 10-YEAR strategy has been launched to unlock future growth in Fife by using digital technology, increasing events and partnerships to make tourism a valued career path.
It has been developed by Fife Tourism Partnership, in conjunction with Fife Council and the local tourist associations (LTAs), with detailed input from tourism businesses in the Kingdom.
The strategy sets out an ambitious challenge for the sector to achieve even stronger economic and employment growth.
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Its last such plan was launched in 2014 and, building on successes since then, the 10-year plan will seek to unlock new growth opportunities across the region.
Over the last four years, there has been continued momentum for Fife, which saw the launch of the five-star attraction Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries, confirmed World Heritage status of the Forth Bridge and the official opening of the latest crossing over the river, the Queensferry Crossing.
The vision is that by 2029 Fife will be one of the strongest digital destinations in Scotland – with businesses taking advantage of digital opportunities, visitors and locals able to interact, book and share their positive experiences, leaving their own digital footprint across the region for others to share and experience for themselves.
A digital tourism industry will aim for one million page views on WelcometoFife.com and a strong events sector aims to increase the value of events there from £18m to £20m.
It is hoped to increase the number of full-time equivalent jobs from 11,500 to 13,000.
Moira Henderson, chair of Fife Tourism Partnership, said: “Our new Fife Tourism and Events Strategy takes advantage of new opportunities and will see a programme of digital projects commence across Fife to help attract fresh audiences.
“There is no doubt that Fife needs to embrace the digital era right across its interaction with visitors, from when they are looking and planning their holiday to when they have been and are sharing their stories about Fife with family and friends.
“We’ll also engage with partners across the tourism sector to make tourism a career of choice for ambitious young people, who are the future of the region.”
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