US media giant CNN has listed the Isle of Skye as one of the top twelve global tourist destinations to avoid this summer. The Scottish island finds itself at the top of a list which includes Barcelona, India’s Taj Mahal and even Mount Everest. The island is cited as being too over crowded.
Islanders themselves have complained about overcrowding especially vehicles blocking roads and litter. The island’s popularity has been driven by Hollywood, pop stars, commercials and social media, which in turn have been promoted heavily by the tourism agency VisitScotland and Scottish ministers, who are anxious to attract high-spending foreign visitors.
With tourism being the main economic driver of the island some residents are calling on the Scottish Government to further invest in the island.
A leading Skye hotelier has hit out at American broadcaster CNN’s claim that the island is too crowded with tourists and should be avoided by visitors.
Former Scottish Hotelier of the Year Anne Gunn, co-owner of the Sonas group of boutique hotels on Skye, said its inclusion on a global list of ‘destinations to avoid’ in 2018 was misleading and inaccurate.
Speaking after a meeting of the tourism management organisation skyeconnect, she commented: “Skye is a big island with almost 400 miles of coastline. There are four hot spots in the north that are understandably very popular with visitors and very busy during the summer season but it’s ridiculous to claim the whole island is over-run.”
Mrs. Gunn, a Director of skyeconnect which was set up last year to develop the tourism industry and help local businesses provide a better service, added: “Skye is a quality destination with lots of space to explore and enjoy throughout the year – not just in the peak summer months.
Its scenery, history, culture, food and drink mean it is quite rightly famed as one of the most beautiful and fascinating islands in the world and we continue to welcome visitors to experience it for themselves.”
She said the tourism business was working with the Scottish Government and others to improve the island’s infrastructure around key attractions and had already made significant progress.
The Sonas group comprises Duisdale, Skeabost and Toravaig House Hotels. Duisdale has been voted Scotland’s top independent hotel twice in recent years, and Skeabost and Toravaig has each been voted the best hotel in the Scottish Islands.