Responsible Tourism: Solutions for Edinburgh’s Future
Wednesday, October 30
During the 1990s, The Cockburn Association, along with several community-based organizations, grew increasingly concerned about tourism in the Old Town of Edinburgh and its potential adverse impact on the area’s quality of life.:
“When the Old Town is so full of charabancs in the summer that walking down the High Street ceases to be a pleasure; when useful local shops are driven from the Lawnmarket, despite a high resident population, by purveyors of woollies; when the local Guide Friday manager suggests that a High Street resident should live elsewhere if she does not like listening to his perpetual commentary on John Knox over the tannoy; and when residents’ legitimate parking spaces are confiscated by the police during the tattoo without compensation, it is time to take stock of the demands made on the City by tourism” (Cockburn Association Newsletter, 1991, p.2).
The Old Town of Edinburgh has seen significant changes over the past thirty or so years, reflecting broader trends in urban development, tourism, and community dynamics. And the same also applies to much of the rest of the city and to Scotland more broadly.
It now seems particularly timely for the Cockburn to revisit this issue and make a positive contribution to the ongoing conversation across the city about tourism by hosting a conference on sustainable tourism in Edinburgh.
The timing of this conference is perfect for a number of reasons:
Post-Pandemic Recovery: The tourism industry is still recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This period of rebuilding offers a unique opportunity to implement more sustainable practices.
Tourism Concerns: Edinburgh, like many popular tourist destinations, faces challenges related to tourism. While tourism has boosted the local economy, it has also raised concerns about the Old Town area losing its local character Addressing these issues now can help balance the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors.
Infrastructure and Development: There have been numerous infrastructure improvements and new developments aimed at enhancing the visitor experience and supporting the local economy. This includes the renovation of historic buildings and the introduction of new commercial spaces, hotels, cafes and restaurants.
Environmental Awareness: There is growing global awareness and urgency around environmental issues. A conference focused on sustainable tourism aligns with broader efforts to combat climate change and promote responsible travel.
Policy Development: The City of Edinburgh Council and other local bodies are actively working on policies to manage tourism more sustainably. This conference can provide valuable insights and recommendations to inform these policies.
Community Engagement: Engaging the local community in discussions about tourism’s future ensures that development plans consider the well-being of residents and the preservation of Edinburgh’s heritage. The increase in tourism and short-term rentals has impacted the local community. Long-term residents have expressed concerns about the decline in permanent population, local shops and services and the transformation of residential areas into tourist accommodation.
The Cockburn Association’s conference, “Responsible Tourism: Solutions for Edinburgh’s Future,” scheduled for October 30, 2024, will bring together experts and stakeholders to explore these themes and develop actionable strategies.
Here is the link for the IN-PERSON tickets https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1000629258047?aff=oddtdtcreator
And here is the link for the ONLINE tickets https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1000640581917?aff=oddtdtcreator
