The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Tourism firms are ready for visitors but will they come?
As Tayside and Fife businesses gear up for the summer season, the tourism industry is hoping for signs of a post-pandemic recovery.
Restrictions have been lifted and many countries – like Scotland – no longer require passenger locator forms or vaccine passports.
However, locals in the tourism and hospitality industry have varying opinions on whether we will see foreign visitors return this year.
And with the cost-ofliving crisis looming, fear of cost rather than Covid could hinder staycations.
At Crieff Hydro, staff expect both UK and international visitors.
Chief executive Stephen Leckie says: “Summer bookings across the group are looking strong.
“Staycations are continuing to hold up and we’re seeing the return of international travellers, particularly group travel from the US.”
While the hotel group expects summer to go well, the period leading up to the season has had challenges.
“Our biggest concern in terms of rising costs is food which has seen us adjust menus accordingly depending on what we are able to source.”
For Fife tour operator Best of Scotland Holidays, which caters to mainly American tourists, this season is “looking fantastic”.
Founder Duncan Dewar saw his Kirkcaldy firm’s revenue drop from £1 million to £9,000 as the pandemic hindered foreigntourists.
This year he has 40% more tourists coming over than he did in 2019 and has taken on an extra member of staff.
He says: “We’re absolutely delighted.
People are so desperate to travel.
“We haven’t had cancellations because of the war in Ukraine, and provided it doesn’t escalate further afield its not affecting us.”
A bit more hesitant about the return of foreign tourists is chairman of V&A Dundee Tim Allan.
He thinks we will see more tourists, but not as many as we’d like.
“The same pressures which are weighing on us about cost of living concerns will be weighing upon international travellers,” he says.
“We are going to see gradual improvements in international numbers, but it’s going to take some time.
“This year is only going to be part of that slow process of recovery.”
The museum is preparing for a summer of mostly British travellers and locals exploring nearby attractions.
He says: “2022 is going to be a challenging year for everybody in the tourist sector.
“We kind of accept that, but we are gearing up to make sure that our recovery in 2023 for our fifth anniversary year is significant.”
Regional leadership director at VisitScotland Caroline Warburton says the outlook for this summer is looking more positive than before for local businesses.
“We expect recovery to continue in 2022 with the summer season being stronger than last year, with a mix of Scots, UK and international visitors,” says Ms Warburton.
“We are however, realistic in our expectations and do not expect international numbers to return to pre-pandemic levels this year.
“Our expectations and forecasts suggest that it may be 2024 until we reach pre-pandemic levels.”
With new openings such as Arbikie Distillery visitor centre and golf events The 150th Open and The Senior Open, Ms Warburon anticipates tens of thousands will visit the region this summer.
She also says the “hometown tourist” trend is likely to continue.
“Similar to last year, it’s important that we continue to support local businesses by visiting an attraction, eating out at a local restaurant or taking a day trip,” she adds.
“The impact of tourism spreads beyond the industry itself.
“It not only provides direct employment but supports many jobs in the wider supply chain as well as providing facilities which benefits local economies and communities.”