‘Normal’ tourism may have to wait until 2022
Nicola Sturgeon has warned Scottish tourism chiefs that they may have to wait until next year for normality to return – and suggested they may have to rely on “staycations” for the foreseeable future.
The First Minister said she wasunabletomakeanypledges about the further lifting of restrictions this summer as sheannouncedanew£25million recovery programme for the industry.
She said that the new funding, which is expected to supporttheindustryoverthenext two years, will support international marketing efforts to “ensure that when international travel does resume Scotland is at or near many people’s lists.”
But she told the Scottish Tourism Alliance conference that she was unable to say what rules they may have to operate under “beyond the next couple of months.”
The new funding will also help pay for a holiday voucher scheme aimed at ensuring Scotland has a “more social
ly sustainable and inclusive tourism industry”, an incentive scheme to support visitor attractions, tours and experiencesaroundthecountryand anewmarketingfundfordestinations.
Mssturgeontoldtheconference: “I do not underestimate just how horrendously difficult this past year has been. And I understand the enormous challenges that you are continuing to face. So let me takethisopportunitytothank eachandeveryoneofyou.you have shown incredible resilience, adaptability, ingenuity, and patience. In the past year. You have helped to keep people safe.”