Have Your Say on the Council’s draft Visitor Management Plan

Folk are being invited to have their say on Orkney Islands Council’s draft Visitor Management Plan 2027-2037. 
The Plan sets out how the Council will do its part in managing the impacts of tourism on local services, infrastructure and public spaces over the next decade.

Tourism is a vital part of Orkney's economy, bringing opportunities for local businesses and jobs. However, growing visitor numbers and strong seasonal demand can place pressure on roads, ferries and buses, public toilets, parking, waste services, heritage sites and other facilities.

The draft plan explains the Council’s remit in supporting tourism and visitor management and outlines a range of practical actions to address the challenges while ensuring tourism continues to benefit the islands by strengthening the long-term wellbeing of local communities and improving the visitor experience.

The draft plan has been shaped by community feedback, discussions with tourism businesses and organisations, an internal review of Council services, visitor survey results and other local evidence.

Feedback will help inform the final version of the Visitor Management Plan before it is presented to Councillors for consideration later this year.

Councillor Mellissa Thomson is Chair of the Council's Enterprise and Infrastructure Committee. She said: "Tourism plays an important role in Orkney, and we want to make sure it supports our communities, respects the places they care about and protects the services they depend on.

"This consultation is a chance for folk to tell us whether we have identified the right pressures and if the actions proposed in the draft plan will help address them."

The consultation is open to 16 October 2026. People can view the draft Visitor Management Plan and complete the online survey at: www.orkney.gov.uk/vmp

Paper copies and alternative formats are available on request.