Tayside and Fife tourism groups to share £500,000 support fund

Tourism groups across Tayside and Fife will receive a share in a £500,000 coronavirus support package from VisitScotland.

A total of 81 membership organisations, representing more than 10,000 businesses, have made successful bids to the Tourism Destination and Sector Support Fund, which was launched in May.

Tourism secretary Fergus Ewing said: “We have a long way to go but this funding package will be a welcome boost for destination management organisations and sector groups.

“It will enable them to keep working with VisitScotland, tourism businesses and local communities to build a strong and safe recovery, welcoming visitors again in phase three of the route map.”

Letters confirming funding amounts are being sent to successful applicants.

They include the Angus Tourism Co-operative, Blair Atholl Area Tourism Association, Dundee and Angus Convention Bureau, Dundee and Angus Visitor Accommodation Association, Fife Golf Partnership, Food from Fife, Heart 200, Kinross-shire Partnership, Perthshire Tourism Business Group, Pitlochry Partnership, Stay in St Andrews, Tourism St Andrews, Visit Aberfeldy Tourism Association and Visit East Neuk.

A number of Scotland-wide organisations have also been successful, including the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA).

Gordon Morrison, ASVA chief executive, said the money would allow it to continue to operate normally for the rest of the 2020-21 year, without the need for further cuts.