Community interest company (CIC), Highland Tourism, has welcomed award-winning marketing team Planit Scotland as a premier partner to support the organisation’s community outreach and ambassador programme, as part of its sustainable tourism initiative.

Established in 2021, Highland Tourism CIC has fostered a collaborative environment where local stakeholders, cross-sector businesses, and communities work together towards common goals. This collective effort has laid strong foundations for the business and wider community to play an instrumental role in advancing sustainable practices and promoting the Highlands as a prime destination for eco-conscious travellers. 

After joining Highland Tourism CIC as an ambassador earlier this year, Planit Scotland’s managing director, Cecilia Grigor, is now more determined than ever to do her bit in supporting the local tourism community, where she is well known amongst business owners and residents alike.

In her dual role as both partner and ambassador, Cecilia hopes to make the ambassador programme a powerful platform for change, where local businesses and individuals can collaborate and contribute to the long-term vision of the Highlands as a leader in sustainable, community-driven tourism.

Cecilia, commented: “Before launching my own business, I was very much a part of the tourism industry here in the Highlands, having worked my way up in local hotel management, where I was reminded daily of the position we hold as a premier tourist destination.

“As an ambassador and now a partner of Highland Tourism CIC, I am keen to use this opportunity to work closer with my fellow ambassadors to help shape a tourism model that benefits not just the industry, but also the people who live here and the environment we cherish. 

“Highland Tourism CIC offers a unique opportunity to make a difference, and I’m excited to leverage my expertise – and that of my team – to drive forward the goals and initiatives of the organisation. Together, we can foster meaningful collaborations that drive innovation and connections within our communities that help local businesses and residents adopt more sustainable tourism practices.”

Highland Tourism CIC’s partnership with Planit Scotland marks a significant step in its commitment to sustainable tourism. Together, they plan to implement transformative projects that align with the region’s environmental priorities, including promoting eco-friendly tourism initiatives, supporting local enterprises, and encouraging conscious travel practices among visitors.

This collaboration is expected to increase the visibility of Highland Tourism’s ambassador programme, providing more businesses and individuals the opportunity to engage in community-led sustainability efforts. As part of this initiative, Highland Tourism will focus on education and outreach, ensuring both locals and visitors understand the importance of sustainable tourism in preserving the Highlands for years to come.

Chair of Highland Tourism CIC and Highland Renewables, Yvonne Crook, said: “ It is brilliant to have Cecilia and her team at Planit Scotland join our other premier partners Tomatin Distillery, SSEN Transmission, Vattenfall, Statkraft, RES, Haventus, FOR EV, Field, BayWa r.e., GreenPower and Low Carbon. Together, they bring valuable business experience and resources to help us achieve our mission for the Highlands to become a global leader in sustainability.

“Private sector leadership is essential for developing sustainable destinations and driving climate action, and the CIC, working in strategic partnership with Highland Renewables, is excited to continue to grow with the support of visionary business leaders in the Highlands whose private sector leadership and innovation will propel the Highlands to new heights as a model for sustainable tourism.”