The development, rationale, organisation and future management of public sector tourism in Scotland

Frew, A. and Hay, Brian (2011) The development, rationale, organisation and future management of public sector tourism in Scotland. Fraser of Allander Economic Commentary, 34 (3). pp. 62-76. ISSN 2046-5378

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Abstract

Scotland is a small country, part of a small island on the edge of Western Europe, yet it has a very large tourist organisation (with about 750 staff) relative to other countries - how can this be? Scotland is different from the rest of the UK; it has its own education system, separate judicial and legal systems, and these, along with the Church, have helped to mould Scotland’s identity. Scotland is not an independent state so does not have direct membership of the United Nation nor its affiliated organisations. In 1999, the UK government devolved limited authority and power to the new Scottish Parliament, including judicial authority, education, health and industrial development – including tourism. Scotland, with a population of just over five million, has always looked outwards and innovation has long been part of Scottish culture. So can Scotland also take a lead in developing a new management structure for delivering tourism in Scotland in the 21st century?