Scotland has launched its first Destination Management Organisation (DMO) – called Aviemore and Cairngorms Destination Management (ACDM) – to maximise tourism opportunities in the Highlands.

ACDM was set up by tourism consultant Terry Stevens following the success of DMOs in Europe and North America in reinventing dwindling resorts.

The commercially driven, private sector-led partnership organisations are dedicated to the continual improvement of tourism in designated areas for the benefit of local businesses, the community and its visitors.

The Aviemore DMO plans to increase the value of tourism from its current £128m to £204m by 2015, based on a budget of £450,000, which will be split 50:50 between private and public sector bodies.

It also proposes to increase overnight stays by 5 per cent and the number of visitors who make repeat visits to at least 80 per cent by 2010.

ACDM chair Hamish Swan said: “The creation of this DMO is vital to our local communities. Evidence from our extensive worldwide research highlights the importance of local businesses in providing leadership in the development of tourism, supported by our public sector partners.”

The Scottish organisation is supported by the World Tourism Organisation, UNESCO and The Carnegie UK Trust as well as 50 local businesses.

VisitScotland chair Peter Lederer said: “ACDM is an excellent example of how businesses can come together to positively influence the development and progress of a particular area.”

Tourism currently represents 80 per cent of all economic activity in Aviemore and the Cairngorms. Details: www.visitaviemore.com