Measures announced to help reopen Scotland’s tourism industry

New Scottish Government guidance is designed to help Scottish tourism and hospitality businesses safely resume their activities.
Edinburgh Castle, one of Scotland's most popular tourist attractions. Photo: Lisa FergusonEdinburgh Castle, one of Scotland's most popular tourist attractions. Photo: Lisa Ferguson
Edinburgh Castle, one of Scotland's most popular tourist attractions. Photo: Lisa Ferguson

The industry is preparing to reopen on July 15, providing Scotland is able to introduce Phase 3 of its route-map plan towards ending lockdown.

Businesses will have to establish physical distancing, enhanced hygiene, additional workforce training, and help customers understand how to safely use their services.

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The government worked with trade unions, industry bodies and public health officers in developing its latest guidance.

Tourism Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “We want a strong tourism and hospitality sector to help drive Scotland’s economic recovery and future prosperity.

“Industry is telling us what it needs and we are listening. Last week we provided clarity on a potential reopening date and announced a specialist task force to look at the recovery process we face.

“Now we have published guidance to help get the sector up and running again safely. We have also pushed the UK Government for more support, including a VAT reduction and an extension to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

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“The coming months will be extremely challenging but the Scottish Government is doing everything in its power to ensure this vital sector bounces back.”

Malcolm Roughead, the chief executive of Visit Scotland, added: “We are delighted to start seeing real clarity for the tourism industry – both through the proposed date and these new guidelines which we will help to promote across Scotland.

“It is understandable that people will be anxious about travelling and crucial that they are reassured that the tourism industry is doing everything it can to restart the holiday season as safely as possible.

“Everyone is excited about being able to get tourism up and running again and these guidelines will give the industry the insight they need to reopen.”

The guidance can be found here.