A tourism boss has called on those visiting Lanarkshire this Easter to respect the natural environment.
With businesses across Lanarkshire preparing for the traditional start of the tourism season and the longer days, there is sure to be an influx of people to this vibrant region.
With Easter around the corner, VisitScotland's head of regional leadership and development, Ken Massie, looked ahead to what's on offer across the region and how to best to enjoy it.
He told Lanarkshire Live : “There is cautious optimism in the air across the local tourism industry just now.
"After a lot of uncertainty, the industry is preparing for what is hoped, for many, to be the first full year of trading since the pandemic.
“It’s been a difficult few years, and while the current economic situation will bring some fresh challenges for all, there is a general desire from both visitors and businesses to enjoy the benefits of tourism and events once again.
“With top-class attractions, award-winning food and drink, high quality accommodation providers and historic towns and villages, tourism is a vital part of Lanarkshire’s economy. It attracts and creates jobs, sustains communities and enriches lives.
“This Easter you can enjoy a great choice of Lanarkshire attractions from Summerlee and M&Ds to Chatelherault and the Museum of Rural Life or take it easy and just sample some of the fine local produce with Lanarkshire Larder’s Food and Drink Trail.
“Lanarkshire also hosts two sites in Scotland’s UNESCO trail – New Lanark World Heritage Site and the Frontiers of the Roman Empire: Antonine Wall.”
Ken spoke as VisitScotland launched its new campaign, Keep Scotland Unspoiled, across local radio and online. In it we will offer some great advice about how to keep Scotland unspoiled when out and about.
He added: “Tourism brings many benefits which is why its responsible recovery is so important. But things can’t and won’t be exactly as before. Tourism is evolving. It’s about more than travel.
“It’s about building forward and creating better places for people to live and visit by managing our economic, environmental and social impact.
“We all have a duty of care to protect the natural, social and cultural assets which make Lanarkshire so special.
“VisitScotland wants to make sure we help people know what to expect before they explore Scotland so look out for our new campaign Keep Scotland Unspoiled - across local radio and online.
“In it we will offer some great advice about how to keep Scotland unspoiled when out and about.
"This dedicated activity supports wider work by VisitScotland and our partners to address irresponsible behaviour at some local areas.”
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