ASVA E-ZINE

Welcome to the May 2024 edition of the ASVA E-Zine

asva.co.uk [email protected] 07458 306982

Creating Our Future Together

April 2024

"The best way to predict the future is to create it." This adage, often attributed to Abraham Lincoln or management guru Peter Drucker, captures the essence of proactive leadership. As we embark on the new financial year, it's the perfect moment to reflect on our progress as both an organization and an industry, especially as we aim to shape our future.

In recent weeks, I've witnessed inspiring examples of business leadership throughout Scotland. At Perth Museum, the diverse collections and the Stone of Destiny exemplify cultural pride and historical preservation. Johnstons of Elgin showcases a seamless blend of luxury with community engagement, and Aberdeen Science Centre offers a journey of discovery with over 60 interactive exhibits inspiring joy and wonder. Through the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA), we aim to connect our sector with best practices and facilitate mutual learning.

With recent transitions in our executive team and board, we've taken an open look at ASVA’s direction. We are united under a clear vision—World Class Scottish Attractions—and our mission is to Inspire, Represent, and Support our sector. We are currently refining our Strategy and Business Plan to ensure that we position ourselves precisely where we need to be in this evolving landscape and outline a clear path to get there. Our commitment is to deliver maximum value to our members and lead the industry by integrating your feedback and our collective experiences.

The broader tourism landscape is also experiencing rapid changes, with significant shifts in leadership roles and strategic directions, particularly at VisitScotland. These changes will undoubtedly impact our sector – perhaps more than any other. We are dedicated to ensuring that we navigate a path to an outcome at least equal to the value previously seen – of course we hope to seize the opportunity to grow it. We anticipate providing a specific update on this soon.

Despite challenges in the domestic market which affect revenue and footfall, the international demand remains strong. Feedback from VisitScotland Connect has been encouraging, and as we approach the peak season, we remain optimistic about the recovery of international tourism.

Looking ahead, the ASVA Conference presents a prime opportunity to address these key areas. Last year’s event at Perth Concert Hall received outstanding feedback. We are pleased to announce that we will return to the same venue and continue our partnership with the Association for Cultural Enterprises to further enrich the experience. We are currently developing the conference themes and welcome your suggestions for topics or speakers. Stay tuned for registration details.

As we look forward to shaping the future of Scottish visitor attractions, your active participation and insights are invaluable. Together, we can craft a vibrant and sustainable future for our industry.

Michael Golding
CEO, Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA)

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