NORTH Coast 500 bosses have announced plans to crack down on irresponsible tourism by introducing a visitor's pledge.
Best known as the NC500, the 516-mile loop in the Highlands has exploded in popularity in recent years, with growing concerns from local communities around the impact of “over-tourism”.
Bosses from North Coast 500 Ltd, the body responsible for the promotion and marketing of the iconic route, have introduced a new visitor pledge aimed at encouraging responsible tourism.
The pledge, developed in consultation with residents and businesses along the route, will ask visitors to commit to respectful and sustainable tourism during their visit while also aiming to address the growing concerns facing local communities because of increased visitor numbers.
The initiative will ask visitors to the Highlands to leave no trace, by disposing of waste responsibly, parking only in dedicated parking areas during the day and overnight, and prioritising shopping in local businesses, alongside a list of other commitments.
There will be a dedicated digital platform to help support the pledge which will offer visitors educational resources to help them explore the Highlands while preserving its natural beauty.
David Hughes, chair of North Coast 500 Ltd, said it is important not to downplay the economic importance of tourism in Scotland but hopes the initiative will address some of the growing challenges the rise in visitor numbers is creating for local communities.
He said: “The North Coast 500 is an iconic route that showcases the very best of Scotland’s natural beauty, but with that privilege comes responsibility. Although we don’t have authority to impose enforced tourism taxes, the visitor pledge is our way of ensuring that everyone who visits this unique region understands their role in protecting it for now and for future generations.
“We’ve all seen an increase in visitor numbers over the last few years and it's important not to downplay the importance these visitors have on the local economy. We can’t control important infrastructure which supports the tourism industry, such as signage, rubbish/disposal facilities and parking, however, by asking visitors to sign the pledge, we are asking tourists to be part of the solution, helping us maintain the North Highlands’ natural beauty for everyone to enjoy.”
North Coast 500 Ltd bosses hope the visitor pledge will showcase their commitment to placing local communities, the environment, and heritage at the heart of its operations.
They also said the initiative emphasises “long-term sustainability” as tourism continues to grow in Scotland as they hope it will foster a more positive relationship between tourists and residents following years of growing complaints from locals.
Ewan Chisholm of The Highland Larder, a local business in Dornoch, has hailed the initiative saying that educating tourists will hopefully lead to them being more mindful of their behaviour while visiting.
He said: “Keeping the Highlands pristine for locals and visitors really matters, and it’s especially important to me and my business as we are right next to Dornoch Beach.
“The majority of visitors really want to be respectful, and we know that education and encouragement helps in guiding mindful behaviour. It’s great to see NC500 Ltd taking action and this Visitor Pledge initiative sounds like just the ticket. I’ll certainly be encouraging my customers to sign up.”
You can learn more about the NC500 visitor pledge here.
