The summer of 2009 was the first full summer through which the Scottish Government's Road equivalent tariff (RET) pilot scheme had been in effect. The RET effectively halves the cost of travelling by ferry to the Outer Hebrides, by way of the four main island ports.
The effect of this pilot project, coinciding with an economic downturn which led to a rise in 'staycations', saw visitor numbers to the Outer Hebrides breaking records. The islands' tourist economy received a boost in capital, but some argue that island infrastructures are not ready to cope with an upsurge in visitor numbers, and questions were raised over the quality of some of the accommodation on offer.
Following the success of the 2009 Road Equivalent Tarrif pilot, Dougie Vipond travels to the Isle of Lewis to ask local tourism representatives and the tourists themselves whether the Outer Hebrides are ready for an increase in visitors.
Broadcast on Landward in September 2009.
Page first published on Tuesday 29th September 2009
Page last updated on Thursday 29th October 2009
