Moray SNP News

MORAY PARLIAMENTARIANS DISCUSS TOURISM WITH MORAY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Moray’s MP Angus Robertson and MSP Richard Lochhead have met with Moray Chamber of Commerce CEO, Sarah Medcraf, and Moray Speyside Tourism Operations Manager, Laurie Piper, to discuss the outlook for tourism in Moray and the priorities for the sector in 2017.

The local MP and MSP received an update on the most recent tourism figures for the region, which show visitor numbers rising above 700,000 with nearly 430,000 staying in Moray for an average of more than 3 nights.

It is estimated that visitor and tourism spend is generating more than 105 million pounds for the local economy supporting more than 2,500 full time equivalent job in the region.

The SNP’s Mr Robertson and Mr Lochhead also discussed how they can best support the Chamber’s and Moray Speyside Tourism’s efforts in the future.

Speaking after the meeting Angus Robertson MP said:

“Moray’s tourism offer continues to go from strength to strength with visitor numbers, visitor spend and overnight stays all increasing.

“There is a huge amount that our region has to offer and with massive investment in the whisky sector, such as Macallan’s 100 million pound investment, there is undoubtedly greater than ever potential for growth.

“Looking ahead we are looking to meet with businesses and others involved in tourism in Moray and providing support for the sector. That support can be continued work with the whisky sector which is a key driver for attracting visitors or by helping individual businesses with specific issues and concerns.”

Richard Lochhead MSP said:

“The efforts being made to grow our tourism sector in Moray are really significant, from the work of Moray Speyside Tourism and the Chamber of Commerce to the efforts of many volunteers who are making events such as Piping at Forres, the Speyside Whisky Festival and Elgin’s Food & Drink Festival the fantastic successes that they are.

“In addition we have many other initiatives such as the Moray Coast Tourism Group, Elgin’s Castle to Cathedral to Cashmere project and many local music and summer festivals that are drawing in visitors from near and far.

“Growing our tourist economy is a constant job of work and one that we are committed to supporting.”

Laurie Piper, Moray Speyside Operations Manager said:

“I was very glad to have the opportunity to share some of the region’s tourism success stories with our elected representatives.

“It’s good to know that Moray Speyside has such strong advocates at both Holyrood and Westminster, and I look forward to working with them to ensure that Moray Speyside is duly recognised as a world-class visitor destination, providing a unique and authentic experience for visitors from around the world.”