10.Conserve the Cairngorms Campaign
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And as for the argument that locals get better facilities as a result of tourists visiting - well, that's not been my experience. Having spent time talking to Aviemore residents they resent having to share facilities and many mention congestion as a problem. Would it not be better to link sustainable tourism to outdoor recreation as the future? Tourists who like to spend time exploring outdoors, enjoying the beautiful landscapes and wonderful wildlife. These tourists spend more time in the area and consequently more money. Very often the debate has seemed to focus on jobs versus the environment, with the environmental groups, like ourselves, being seen as very 'anti-job'. I've read that 41% of the Highlands workforce is employed in tourism or tourism related industries - but what type of jobs are actually being provided? Often locals are reduced to the status of servant class, dependent upon the income of outsiders, where the work is seasonal and low paid. |
This derelict and vandalised bar is all that is left of the Aviemore Centre - If tourism developments don't work it is the locals who are left with the consequences..  © Pauline Park
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