Scots on staycations urged to wear face masks in ‘confined spaces’
Staycation Scots are being urged to wear face masks in “confined spaces” when they go on holiday around the country this year.
Visitscotland’s first postlockdown marketing campaign is also encouraging families to stay “close to home” to ensure public transport services do not come under pressure and reduce the risk of remove communities being “overwhelmed by a sudden influx of visitors.”
Official guidelines for the first wave of holidaymakers warn they face making a “wasted trip” unless they pre-book every element in advance at businesses and attractions which may be closed or reduced capacities.
Parents are being encourage to ensure their children do not “wander off and mix with others” when they are on a staycation this summer, while people in shielding categories or with coronavirus symptoms are being urged not to travel at all.
Visitscotland will be launching a “call to arms” campaign film in the runup to the planned reopening of hotels, attractions, bars and restaurants next month, telling Scots: “Your country needs you.”
Built around a key message of “you don’t have to travel far, the film will also state: “Connect with something other than wifi and reconnect with the people you love, in the country you love.”
The tourism body has created a “visitor pledge” which urges people to limit the number of locations they visit, spend more time in the one location and think about “slow travel” options for holidays, such as walking or cycling.
Visitscotland marketing director Vicki Miller said: “The pandemic has had a devastating impact on the industry so it’s vitally important that we work together to help restart the sector.
“We look forward to helping encourage Scots to rediscover their own country, supporting businesses as they prepare for the inevitable operational changes and ensure that communities feel comfortable and capable of welcoming visitors in a safe way.”