Strategic Tourism Ltd [STL] was launched in August of 2002 by Gary Lowthian. Gary's background in tourism started while studying for a honours degree at Heriott-Watt University in Edinburgh; quickly followed by an MA in Tourism, Leisure and Service Management at the University of Central Lancashire.

An MA placement at the Scottish Borders Tourist Board, led quickly to an initial position at VisitScotland as part of the International Marketing team. Gary then moved to the Lake District to take up the role of Market Development Executive at Cumbria Tourist Board and soon after, achieved the IDM post-graduate diploma in Direct Marketing. Latterly, promotion to Marketing Manager at Yorkshire Tourist Board and achieving the CIM eMarketing award gave Gary the confidence to fulfil his ambition of running his own business.

Although originally set up as a small marketing agency dedicated to the tourism sector, STL has diversified into the field of business consultancy, assisting individual tourism businesses become more profitable. Marketing however, remains the main area of expertise.

STL is based in York and has developed a significant client base over the last few years, both in the private sector and in terms of public/EU funded projects.