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