Perth has been re-accredited as Coach Friendly, holding its status as one of 29 locations in the UK to be recognised by the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) scheme.
The Scottish city was recognised for its commitment to increasing coach visits via improving access and enhancing facilities for drivers and passengers.
CPT Coach Manager Phil Smith officially presented the accreditation to Perth and Kinross Council Leader Councillor Grant Laing outside Perth Museum on 8 May.
Mr Smith says: “CPT is delighted to be able to renew the city of Perth’s Coach Friendly accreditation at the point where Perth and Kinross Council is also celebrating the re-opening of Perth Museum – a significant tourist attraction at the heart of Scotland that is home to the historic and symbolic Stone of Destiny.
“Visitors to Perth can now enjoy improved facilities, which also make the city a valuable and well-located stopping off point for popular coach trips heading north into the Scottish Highlands.”
The Coach Friendly scheme is open to cities, towns and villages which can “demonstrate a significant tourism offer” and attractions which see coaches as a means of generating more visitors sustainably.
Among the other Coach Friendly accredited locations are: Shrewsbury, Oswestry, The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre in Northumberland and Bury Market.
“CPT is keen to develop the Coach Friendly concept in Scotland because we want to see continuous improvement for coach passenger experience and operator benefits in places of high tourism interest across the country,” adds Mr Smith.
“We hope that the re-accreditation for Perth will make many more Scottish destinations, attractions, towns, cities and other locations of great interest to tourists want to go Coach Friendly by creating the right conditions for coach tourism to flourish as part of their wider strategy to reduce congestion, improve air quality and promote more sustainable tourism.”
CPT sells the scheme as a way of increasing visitors to the location and gaining free publicity through the organisation’s social media channels.
Councillor Laing adds: “Tourism is a vital part of our economy and we welcome tens of thousands of visitors every year.
“Travelling by coach is a great way for people to travel. We’re already a popular destination for coach trips and look forward to welcoming even more in the future.
“This will bring even more people to Perth and Kinross and support businesses across the region.”
Caroline Warburton, Destination Development Director with VisitScotland, adds: “Achieving Coach Friendly status is fantastic news for Perth and the wider region, and reflects the investment and great work that has been done to cater for coaches, part of the city’s commitment to welcoming group travel.
“The group travel market has an important part to play in Scotland’s sustainable tourism ambitions.
“Not only does it offer an alternative to travelling by car, but planned itineraries are an excellent way for visitors to explore the region.”
