Call on Scots to support tourism restart
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SCOTLAND'S national tourism organisation is calling on people to support the sector in its hour of need as it prepares to reopen this week.
VisitScotland has outlined five actions people can take to help lift the visitor economy as the sector prepares to restart on Wednesday, July 15. These include taking a trip, visiting an attraction or experience, shopping locally, dining out and booking a staycation.
The organisation is urging Scots and the tourism industry to share the #take5fortourism message on social media.
Tourism is worth more than £11.5 billion to the Scottish economy – supporting one in 12 jobs. The Covid-19 lockdown and travel restrictions have been devastating for the sector.
VisitScotland has warned that the industry won’t bounce back overnight and the support of the domestic market will be vital for survival over the coming months.
Alongside the national tourism bodies of England, Northern Ireland and Wales, VisitScotland has announced a new UK-wide industry standard and consumer mark to provide confidence for visitors, communities and tourism businesses. Since its launch last month more than 4000 businesses have signed up to the "We’re Good to Go" scheme.
A new visitor charter has also been created aimed at encouraging safe and responsible travel around the country. Businesses are updating their listings on visitscotland.com with opening information to make it easier for visitors to plan ahead.
Malcolm Roughead, VisitScotland chief executive, said: "Scottish tourism is facing its biggest challenge in a generation and will need financial support for some time to come to help it recover.
"The Scottish public has a crucial part to play in helping this happen. It’s easy to not think of yourself as a tourist in your own country but many of the experiences that we often enjoy with loved ones, such as holidays, shopping or eating out, all contribute to our visitor economy.
"July 15 marks a new era for the industry as we start to welcome back visitors and take our first steps on the road to a safe and responsible recovery. However, reopening won’t be the same for all businesses, many are still adapting to this ‘new normal’, so it’s important that we recognise that as we move forward to try and restore our industry.
"We look forward to helping Scots rediscover their own country in a way that is safe for everyone – visitors, residents and those working within the industry."
For more information see the website visitscotland.com.
