Four Reasons you need a business case for Planners for your new tourism accommodation

Why You Need a Business Case for Planning Permission for Tourism Accommodation
Are you planning to set up new tourism accommodation and apply for planning permission? The process goes beyond submitting a simple application. A strong business plan is essential to demonstrate the value of your proposal and avoid rejection. By presenting how your business aligns with regional and national tourism strategies, you can show planners how it will contribute to the local economy and enhance tourism in the area.
“Without goals and plans to reach them, you are like a ship that has set sail with no destination.”
– Fitzhugh Dodson, Author
Here are four compelling reasons why a Tourism Business Plan can significantly improve your chances of obtaining planning permission:
Prove You’re a Legitimate Tourism Business
Planning authorities need assurance that your application is for a genuine tourism business, not for a private residence or other purposes.
For instance, if you’re considering a glamping site on your land in a picturesque location, planners may question why you can’t upgrade an existing structure or build closer to your primary residence.
A robust business case demonstrates that:
- Your project is a serious investment in tourism.
- You’ve researched to justify the type and location of the accommodation.
This reassures planners that your venture is legitimate and has been thoroughly considered.

Andrew Drane
Align with National and Local Tourism Strategies
Planning applications are evaluated based on their alignment with regional and national tourism goals. For example, local councils contribute to the National Tourism Strategy: Scotland Outlook 2030 and its regional adaptations in Scotland.
A strong business case will show:
- How does your proposal contribute to local and national tourism strategies?
- How your business enhances the tourism offering in your area.
You demonstrate its economic and cultural value to the community by aligning your proposal with strategic goals.
Demonstrate Customer Demand for Your Accommodation
Planning authorities will want to know if there is sufficient customer demand for your proposed accommodation type—whether it’s a hotel, bed and breakfast, self-catering units, or glamping pods.
Your business plan should address:
- The type of customers you’re targeting.
- Why will these customers choose your accommodation?
- Evidence that demand exists year-round, including during the off-season.
A well-researched plan will highlight:
- Who your customers are.
- What they’re looking for.
- How your accommodation meets their needs at various price points.
Uig Sands Restaurant Isle of Lewis Andrew Drane
Show You’re Aligned with Current and Future Tourism Trends
Tourism trends evolve rapidly, and planners want to see that your accommodation is future-proof and relevant.
Your business plan should include:
- Insights from tourism research to demonstrate awareness of industry trends.
- A competitor analysis to show you’ve learned from best practices and are offering something unique.
Highlighting how your accommodation fits current and future trends shows that you’re prepared to meet modern travellers’ expectations and provide a quality tourism experience.
Why a Business Plan is Worth the Investment
While it’s possible to apply for planning permission without a business case, doing so significantly increases the risk of rejection. A Tourism Business Plan not only helps secure planning permission but also provides you with a clear roadmap for success, including:
- Identifying your target customers.
- Understanding why they’ll choose your accommodation.
- Determining where they’re located.
- Clarifying what they’re looking for in a stay.
- Outlining how you’ll communicate with and market to them.
- Identifying Potential Pricing and Occupancy
My Experience in Tourism Business Planning
I’ve written numerous tourism business plans that have successfully secured planning permission for projects ranging from railway carriage accommodations to treehouses and traditional tourist lodgings. With extensive experience in tourism marketing and a deep understanding of planning processes, I can help turn your vision into reality.
If you’re considering applying for planning permission for a new tourism accommodation, I’d be happy to discuss how I can assist.
Contact Me
Let’s work together to create a business case that gets results. Contact me today at:
- Email: fionadranemarketing@outlook.com
- Phone: 07900462098