Launch of National Alliance for Community-Led Tourism in UK

Brand messaging for the new national alliance, Community Tourism UK

READ:

Community-led tourism organisations across the UK have come together to form a new national alliance.

Community Tourism UK launched at the SCOTO Gathering 2026 at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Friday 6^th March - with an invitation to sign the UK Declaration for Community Tourism.

The alliance says its aims are to “support initiatives that promote regenerative destination management and champion the voice of local residents in shaping the visitor economy.”

Community-led tourism organisations across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland want government, tourism and business leaders to do more to put community benefit and residents’ voices at the heart of tourism planning and delivery.

And they want to encourage more visitors who seek experiences beyond the top attractions, who spend more in local communities, and who respect residents and local cultures.

The UK Declaration for Community covers six themes

The UK Declaration says:

Tourism as a shared benefit
Tourism should create broad value for society, combining economic vitality with cultural vibrancy, social inclusion and environmental regeneration.

Communities at the centre
Residents’ wellbeing, identity and aspirations must guide tourism development, recognising their role as the custodians of local destinations.

Innovation and digital transformation:
Data, technology and digital skills are essential to strengthening resilience, sustainability and competitiveness across the sector.

Respect for culture and heritage
Our cultural and natural heritage must be safeguarded and celebrated, supporting continuity, creativity and local traditions.

Strengthening nature and society
Tourism should actively enhance ecosystems and support fair and meaningful livelihoods across the tourism sector.

Tourism as a force for peace and understanding
Travel should foster empathy, solidarity and cooperation, reinforcing the values that underpin our work.

Delegates at the SCOTO Gathering 2026 celebrate the launch of Community Tourism UK. Photo courtesy of SCOTO CIC.

SCOTO CIC, established in 2022, is the Scottish Community Tourism Network. It is the Scottish partner leading the creation of Community Tourism UK. SCOTO brings together individuals and enterprises from across Scotland to develop and promote community tourism.

It organised the 2-day gathering of grassroots community tourism organisations from Scotland and beyond at the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow on 5-6 March.

Carron Tobin, Executive Director of SCOTO CIC, said: “Tourism is one of the UK’s largest sectors, yet too often local communities have little influence over how it develops in their own areas. Community Tourism UK represents a significant step forward, by building a collective commitment to ensuring tourism works with and for local people.

Over the past year, organisations from across the UK have come together to build a collaborative movement rooted in social purpose, environmental responsibility and local benefit, and we’re proud to have hosted the next stage of that journey in Glasgow.”

Community Tourism UK says it wants to expand its membership, resources and advocacy work during 2026. It is inviting social enterprises, local heritage organisations and third-sector partners to help reshape the future of tourism across the UK.

Kenny Lieske of Good Organisation CIC in York - one of the first signatories to the UK Declaration - said: “Community-led tourism is no longer a niche idea…it’s increasingly essential. As visitor pressures grow and economic inequalities deepen, communities are demanding a real say in how tourism is planned, managed and developed.

Community Tourism UK brings together groups already making a tangible difference on the ground and aims to strengthen their collective voice. The shared Declaration will enable organisations and individuals to stand together for a visitor economy that creates meaningful employment, protects local culture, regenerates destinations and strengthens the connection between visitors and residents alike.”