Huge hit to tourism may see jobs put in jeopardy

Fife could be particularly badly affected with some firms saying they have already lost tens of thousands of pounds

Thousands of tourism jobs in Fife could be at risk as businesses count the cost of coronavirus.

The industry is thought to contribute around £588 million to the region’s economy each year and employs an estimated 12,000 people.

However, 2020 is far from a typical year, prompting fears the pandemic could prove catastrophic for one of Fife’s most important sectors.

A survey from VisitScotland has suggested 58% of businesses with employees have been forced to reduce staff numbers, while the majority of respondents claim to have lost up to £50,000 already.

Some Fife businesses are reporting economic damage substantially higher than that.

Without any support, it is feared many businesses will be forced to shut up shop completely in just three months.

Sandra Montador-Stewart, Fife Council’s economy, tourism and town centres service manager, said: “We know that the speed and scale of the impact of Covid-19 on the businesses in the tourist, leisure and retail sectors has been immense.

“Fife Council and its partners have been working hard to assist businesses with help and advice as well ensuring they can quickly access the financial support that has been put in place.

“We continue to review the situation and advocate on behalf of the Fife businesses to the Scottish Government on where gaps are identified in the support packages so far announced.

“We are planning for the lifting of restrictions so tourism in Fife is ready to get up and running again as quickly as possible and welcome visitors and locals back.”

Fife Tourism Partnership chairwoman Moira Henderson runs an agri-tourism business with self-catering accommodation.

She said: “Like many others, we depend on the holiday diversification for the sustainability of our farm.

“At this difficult time we are exploring all the support available and working with others to make sure businesses can access appropriate help.”

A £2.2 billion package of measures to help business has already been announced by the economy secretary.

These include a full year’s nondomestic rate relief for the sector, £10,000 grants for small businesses in receipt of the Small Business Bonus Scheme or Rural Relief and £25,000 grants for hospitality, leisure and retail properties with a rateable value between £18,000 and £51,000, including selfcatering accommodation and caravans.

Vicki Miller, director of marketing and digital at VisitScotland, described the situation as “hard to digest” for most tourism business owners.

However, she added: “Planning for the period beyond this current no-travel phase is going to be critical in the weeks ahead, so we can develop robust recovery plans and ensure we get the timing of future proactive marketing activity right.

“Learning from China’s gradual return to some kind of normality will provide useful insight.

“We are all in this together and now more than ever, we need to pool our collective resources to help each other, share ideas and navigate our way forward.

“Tourism is of strategic importance to the Scottish economy and has the potential to restore jobs and income to communities as we start to come out of this crisis.

“So, for now, we need to keep Scotland front of mind with all travellers and inspire them to dream of a future trip here.”

“We know that the speed and scale of the impact of Covid-19 on the businesses in the tourist, leisure and retail sectors has been immense. SANDRA MONTADOR-STEWART, FIFE COUNCIL