The Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA) has teamed up with car free leisure champion Good Journey to encourage more people to visit attractions all over Scotland without driving.

ASVA's CEO Gordon Morrison said the association was keen to partner with Good Journey to help its members support their environmental goals and boost visitor numbers.

“We are urging ASVA attraction members of all types throughout Scotland to make the most of these great terms offered by Good Journey to boost the welcome they offer to car-free visitors, join the movement for green travel, and support the growth of sustainable tourism,” said Morrison.

According to Good Journey, 24 per cent of UK households don't have access to a car, and the majority of international visitors don't hire one whilst holidaying in Scotland, meaning that providing access via rail, bus, bike or on foot can boost business.

The organisation also argues that car-free visitors spend around 20 per cent more than car visitors.

“Welcoming car-free visitors is a win-win for all involved,” said Nat Taplin, director at Good Journey. “You’ll be opening your doors to the huge number of potential visitors, from both within the UK and overseas markets, who don’t have access to a car, as well as helping to cut carbon and reduce traffic and congestion on roads and at leisure sites.

So while you are helping to keep Scotland and its wonderful natural environment special, you’re also supporting the growth of your business and the success of your local economy.”

The Good Journey website offers guidance on how to get around the UK without a car – providing visitors with simple-to-use journey planners and destination guides highlighting travel options for places of interest to visit by rail, bus, shuttlebus, fixed-price taxi, bike or on foot. 

The partnership allows ASVA attraction members to take advantage of special introductory terms to sign up to Good Journey (two years’ subscription to Good Journey for the price of one). Subscriptions to join range from £75 to £450 depending on visitor numbers.

A wide range of attractions have already joined Good Journey including Blenheim Palace, which has increased car-free visitors by over 25,000 in just two years, with 500 people a week using Blenheim’s Good Journey page to plan car-free journeys. The attraction promotes 30 per cent off entry for car-free visitors, using the Good Journey Mark throughout its marketing.