Argyll and Bute’s reputation as a top tourism destination is soaring, the council has said.
Staycation initiatives were brought in when the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions saw a huge surge in visitor numbers across the west coast.
There were concerns about how this would affect local communities, infrastructure and the environment, with problems including litter, unsafe parking and inadequate toilet facilities.
But the council appointed a dedicated staycation project officer and staycation wardens, as well as increasing street sweeping and uplifts and introducing regular anti-littering campaigns.
And new steps will include:
- Dedicated web pages on advice for visitors
- A motorcaravan overnight parking scheme which provides dedicated parking facilities for drivers of campervans and motorhomes
- A planned upgrade to the car park and toilet facilities at Glenmorag near Dunoon
- New ‘welcome to Argyll and Bute’ and passing place signs
- Re-introduction of portable toilet facilities at 11 tourist hot spots.
Council leader Robin Currie, said: “The feedback we have received from our local communities about the measures delivered through the staycation fund have been very positive, particularly around new infrastructure, additional information on available facilities and how to behave responsibly in our beautiful area.
“As well as the increase in domestic tourism and staycations, it’s great news that we’re now seeing an uplift in international visitors, all of which means that we must continue to be vigilant in terms of the impact this can have on the environment and on local people,
“We will continue to liaise with our partners to ensure that we respond to the challenges and opportunities that may arise.”
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