You can do your bit to help recovery

VISITSCOTLAND is calling for people nationwide to support the sector in its “time of need” as it prepares to reopen today.

The national tourism organisation has outlined five simple actions that Scots can take to help restart the visitor economy, including taking a trip, visiting an attraction or experience, shopping locally, dining out and booking a staycation.

With tourism worth more than £11.5billion to the Scottish economy, supporting one in 12 jobs, the sector has been devastated by the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown and travel restrictions.

While VisitScotland believes that the industry is resilient, it has warned that it won’t bounce back overnight and the support of the domestic market will be vital for survival over the coming months.

VisitScotland boss Malcolm Roughead 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.

“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.

“Recovery will require our collective efforts and we must act as one to ensure the best possible outcomes for the whole of the visitor economy.“