VISITORS who flock to the North Coast 500 are being asked to sign a pledge aimed at encouraging responsible tourism on the world-famous driving route.
North Coast 500 Ltd, who are responsible for the promotion and marketing of the 516 mile loop in the Highlands, have taken action amid anger from local communities about the behaviour of tourists.
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Campaigners have complained about overtourism, reckless littering, congestion on roads and anti-social behaviour since the route was launched in 2015.
The new visitor pledge was developed by North Coast 500 Ltd in consultation with local residents and businesses along the route and invites visitors to commit to respectful and sustainable tourism during their visit.
The initiative asks visitors to leave no trace by disposing of waste responsibly, park only in dedicated parking areas during the day and overnight and to prioritise shopping in local businesses alongside a list of other positive commitments.
It will be marketed extensively through social media and advertising campaigns as well as engagement with motorhome rental companies and local businesses to ensure it reaches as many visitors of route as possible.
David Hughes, Chair of North Coast 500 Ltd, said: “The North Coast 500 is an iconic route that showcases the very best of Scotland’s natural beauty, but with that privilege comes responsibility.
“Although we don’t have authority to impose enforced tourism taxes, the Visitor Pledge is our way of ensuring that everyone who visits this unique region understands their role in protecting it for now and for future generations.
“We’ve all seen an increase in visitor numbers over the last few years and it’s important not to downplay the importance these visitors have on the local economy.
“We can’t control important infrastructure which supports the tourism industry, such as signage, rubbish/disposal facilities and parking, however, by asking visitors to sign the pledge, we are asking tourists to be part of the solution, helping us maintain the North Highlands’ natural beauty for everyone to enjoy.”
But NC500 locals have also had their say on their pledge on social media, and they aren’t too happy about it.
One resident said: “Oh great that’ll save us.”
Another added: “Is this a joke?”
A third wrote: “I thought it was Halloween coming up, not April fools day. Do they get a star for signing the pledge?”
While a fourth commented: “The phrase ‘it’s not legally enforceable so we don’t have to follow it’ springs to mind when I hear things like this.”
Part of a broader strategy to preserve the North Coast route, the pledge underscores the organisation’s commitment to placing local communities, the environment and heritage at the heart of all of its operations.
North Coast 500 Ltd said the pledge, which can be taken on the route’s official website, is designed to foster a positive relationship between tourists and residents.
Ewan Chisholm, who runs food business The Highland Larder in Dornoch, said: “Keeping the Highlands pristine for locals and visitors really matters, and it’s especially important to me and my business as we are right next to Dornoch Beach.
“The majority of visitors really want to be respectful, and we know that education and encouragement helps in guiding mindful behaviour.
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“It’s great to see NC500 Ltd taking action and this Visitor Pledge initiative sounds like just the ticket. I’ll certainly be encouraging my customers to sign up.”
The tourist trail, which begins and ends in Inverness and offers some of the country’s most stunning scenery, was voted the UK’s favourite road trip in a poll by Europcar earlier this year.
