Homecoming 'distraction' from slump

Apr 1 2009

The focus on a year of Homecoming celebrations could be a "distraction" from problems faced by the tourism industry.

Bob Downie, chief executive of the Royal Yacht Britannia attraction, said the Scottish Government-backed scheme - which marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns - does not look to the future.

"I think it's quite handy that it's happening when it's happening, but in terms of next year and the year after, in that sense it's almost a distraction from addressing the issues in Scottish tourism," he said.