Inverness is facing a major tourism accommodation crisis with the city virtually “sold out” this weekend – just as the visitor season kicks in.
Business leaders and hoteliers claim they are not able to meet tourism demand in the Highlands as the region is becoming more popular to worldwide visitors.
Stewart Nicol, of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, said the influx this weekend – with thousands descending on The Gathering event at Northern Meeting Park – will be repeated throughout the summer now the tourist season has well and truly started.
The business chief and hotel bosses welcome the boost in trade and the economy, but admit issues need to be addressed to find a long-term solution to the increase in visitors – who in some cases will face charges of hundreds of pounds for just a one night stay in the city.
The Highland capital is about to welcome Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds next weekend at Bught Park – with Belladrum in Beauly, Piping Inverness, the Highland Games, Loch Ness Marathon, Proclaimers, Kaiser Chiefs, and Madness all to follow and expected to attract massive crowds.
Inverness selling out on Booking.com
It is also basking in the glory of the Game of Thrones popularity and the NC 500 success.
A number of accommodation websites are claiming they are almost at capacity in Inverness – around 93% – for today, and are offering the last remaining rooms at rates up to £400 a night.
Emmanuel Moine, chairman of The Inverness Hotels Association and manager of the Glen Mhor Hotel in Inverness, said: “Obviously, the fact people want to come to Inverness and the Highlands is hugely positive but it also highlights the very issues we have been trying to have addressed.
“Ensuring there is enough skilled staff to meet a growing demand, at a time when the overseas workforce is reducing due to Brexit fears, is unsustainable and we have still not seen a concrete plan from Government about how they intend to rectify this.”
Mr Nicol, meanwhile, added that the NC 500 tourist route and popular tourist destinations throughout the Highlands were becoming more popular thanks to social media.
He added: “The message is that we have to put in the infrastructure to meet the demands of tourists.
“It is really a success story that needs addressing. Inverness and the Highlands are becoming more popular within the tourist sector.”
Local and Proud: Follow our new Facebook page dedicated to the Highlands and Islands
He said current developments underway will help address the influx of visitors, including a revamped hotel at the former Maple Court Hotel next to the River Ness, along with construction work at other hotel groups in the city centre
Mr Nicol added: “In a way it is a good problem to have, as we are now competing against major cities throughout the country and Europe.
“But we need to address the accommodation issue in the long term as people may be put off coming back if they are upset at not finding accommodation or are paying extortionate costs.”
