It was a packed programme when Geopark Indalsälven, together with Jämtland Härjedalen Tourism, Region Jämtland Härjedalen, Coompanion Jämtland-Västernorrland and Region Västernorrland, visited Scotland to look at different solutions for a sustainable and green transition in the experience industry.
The programme began in Edinburgh with a city walk organised by Invisible Cities, A social enterprise that employs guides who are or have been homeless. A wonderful experience with our guide, who told us about the city based on the theme ‘Women of Edinburgh Tour’.
The city walk was followed by an afternoon where Social Enterprise Action Plans was the focus. Steven Cullum from the Scottish Government welcomed the group and shared insights into how Scotland has been working with action plans for social enterprise over the past ten years. The information provided a deeper understanding of how these initiatives have contributed to social and economic development.
The trip then continued to Inverness, where on Wednesday the group visited North West Highlands Geopark, located in north-western Scotland. Here, participants were given an impressive guided tour by geologist Pete Harrison in Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve.
The day continued with a meeting with Fiona Saywell, director of the geopark. She spoke about the particular challenges of promoting tourism and running the geopark in an area with few local residents and limited financial resources. She also emphasised their focus on digital initiatives, such as podcasts and online lectures, to reach a wider audience and increase the geopark's visibility.
In addition to the geopark, the group also had time for study visits to Velocity, a bicycle-oriented business that promotes sustainable travel, and Laggan Wolftrax, another player in the adventure and experience industry, also focusing on bike routes.
The study visit to Scotland provided many valuable insights into how the experience industry can be developed in a sustainable way and in collaboration between different organisations, companies and authorities. Collaboration was an important word in all discussions, and hopefully we paved the way for future cooperation between Sweden and Scotland in the field of green tourism and sustainable development.