Fergus Ewing

The resumption of tourism businesses on July 15 is dependent on public health advice and progression to Phase 3 of the Scottish Government lockdown route-map.

Tourism secretary Fergus Ewing has also announced new measures to support Scotland’s vital tourism industry, with a new Scottish Recovery Tourism being created to assist with the ongoing reset of the sector.

The taskforce will look at the sector’s recovery needs as well as actions being taken by the UK Government and the development of a new domestic visitor marketing campaign.

The taskforce is in addition to the £2.3 billion package of support for businesses across Scotland which includes measures specific to the tourism and hospitality industry such as a full year’s non-domestic rates relief and specific grant schemes which are not available elsewhere in the UK.

Mr Ewing made the announcements during a statement to Parliament. He said: “The coronavirus pandemic has presented challenges across the entirety of the Scottish economy, but it is very clear there are exceptional circumstances facing this sector that must be recognised.

“We have acted as quickly as we can to address the significant financial challenges faced by businesses and provide a comprehensive package of support. We are also pushing the UK Government to do more, including a review of VAT rates and to consider extensions to schemes such as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

“I’ve been engaging with businesses since the beginning of the outbreak and I have heard their calls for more clarity which today I can provide. Businesses should start to prepare for a provisional return to trading – with appropriate safety guidelines – on the 15th July 2020.

“This date cannot be definitive and is conditional on public health advice and progression to Phase 3 of the route map. Businesses must now use this time to satisfy the necessary regulations and adapt to the new way of living.”

Andrew McRae, Federation of Small Businesses’ Scotland (FSB) policy chair, commented on the announcement. He said: “With these new details about when they’ll possibly re-open, small accommodation providers can start making the necessary preparations. That gives these firms an opportunity to salvage a share of their summer season. Ministers have made a sensible decision by releasing this information.

“But Scottish tourism isn’t just a bed for the night. Other businesses in the visitor economy – such as tour guides or local galleries – can now start making decisions about how and when they should re-open. Tourists will also want places to eat, drink and explore when they get here. That’s why the plan to re-open Scotland to visitors needs to reflect the breadth of the industry and the views of local communities.”  

Dr Liz Cameron, chief executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, added: “This will be welcome news for so many who are reliant on hospitality and tourism for their livelihoods. The Scottish Chamber network alone represents over 1,600 businesses in the tourism sector which employ over 46,000 people, underlining how critical it is for jobs and skills that the sector thrives.

“The Scottish Government has listened but for some it is already too late and the challenge ahead remains clear. The sector, which is essential to maintaining the fabric of many areas of Scotland remains fragile. These companies will continue to need support to ensure they can adapt to provide a safe experience for visitors.”

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