Westray and Papay aim to keep up tourism trend
(From The Orcadian dated May 17, 2001)

Tourist businesses in Westray and Papay bucked a countywide trend to enjoy an increase in visitor numbers during 2000, according to the chairman of the Westray and Papay Tourist Association, Mrs Linda Hagan.

Speaking at the association's AGM last week, Mrs Hagan said that both hotels in Westray and the hostel at Chalmersquoy had fared particularly well, and that the Craft Trail had also attracted a significant number of tourists, with Seatters Gallery the starting point for the Trail reporting a 48 per cent increase in visitors.

The meeting was also told that the number of people travelling from Westray to Papay increased last year, with Papay Peedie Tours being a favourite attraction for visitors.

Mrs Hagan noted that although the Orkney Visitor Survey had shown an overall decrease in tourist numbers since 1996, Westray and Papay were clearly defying that trend. She said: "Frequent visitors to Westray have commented that there seems to be a real buzz in the community just now, and that's undoubtedly got a lot to do with the healthy state of our tourist industry. Although early season numbers this year may be affected by uncertainty surrounding foot-and-mouth, it is hoped local people reluctant to holiday on mainland Britain will consider taking a break in our islands. The amount of available accommodation has increased and there remains plenty to see and do."

In an effort to dispel any confusion about which visitor sites are open in Westray and Papay, an up-to-date list has been produced and over 20 groups and businesses have joined forces to display their individual leaflets in promotional folders which are being placed in key locations throughout Orkney.

Mrs Hagan, who was re-elected chairman of the tourist association at the AGM, commented: "We are in good heart, with new members joining each year and new developments coming on stream all the time. There are projects being worked up for the future and we have an action plan detailing future priorities. We are certainly looking forward to another busy summer."