Post on 27-Mar-2015
Credit: Wilderness Scotland
Taking ResponsibilityTaking ResponsibilityCaroline WarburtonCaroline Warburton
Wild ScotlandWild Scotland
Scottish Wildlife & Adventure Scottish Wildlife & Adventure Tourism Operators AssociationTourism Operators Association
• To have Scotland recognised as one of Europe’s premier nature tourism destinations.
• To inspire visitors & to connect them with a trusted network of tourism businesses which uphold the highest standards.
• To provide members with support so that they can create and deliver world-class nature-based experiences.
WILD SCOTLAND’S AIMS
WS BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINESWS BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINESSetting An ExampleSetting An Example
The Challenge for Commercial Operators:
• Visit the same areas time and again
• Role model for their guests and others
• Under commercial pressure to get close• Legal implications – harassment / accountable actions
WS BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINESWS BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINESEncouraging Professional & Responsible BehaviourEncouraging Professional & Responsible Behaviour
1. General Principles2. Getting Off To A Good Start3. Best Practice During Wildlife Encounters
a. Species Specific Adviceb. Advice Specific to Sea Kayaking
4. Further information
Quality Assurance Scheme: Quality Assurance Scheme: VisitScotlandVisitScotland
Ecolabel: Green Tourism Ecolabel: Green Tourism Business SchemeBusiness Scheme
Marine Wildlife Best Practice Marine Wildlife Best Practice Training: WISE (Wildlife Safe)Training: WISE (Wildlife Safe)
Delivering a Quality ExperienceDelivering a Quality Experience
PARTNERSHIP & BEST PRACTICEPARTNERSHIP & BEST PRACTICE
FUTURE CHALLENGES & FUTURE CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIESOPPORTUNITIES
Challenges• Growing Demand
• Rising Costs
• Industry & Public Sector
Engagement
Opportunities• Work with Wider Adventure Sector• Skills Development: Guide Training• Year of Natural Scotland 2013
Credit: Scottish Seabird Centre
Wild ScotlandWild Scotland
www.wild-scotland.org.ukwww.wild-scotland.org.uk