Tourism sector hopes Easter will see the green shoots of recovery
Industry voices cautious optimism over bookings
The great Easter getaway must trigger a summer of international visitors and staycationing Scots to bring some sunshine to a troubled tourism sector, experts said yesterday.
Easter weekend is traditionally the start of the tourism season and this could be the first full year of trading since the Covid pandemic began, according to VisitScotland chief executive Malcolm Roughead.
He said: “We have heard of stronger bookings in the months ahead, and consumer research is showing a rise in interest in holidays and day trips, with a fall in concerns around Covid and travel.
“While the return of international visitors will be important for the longterm recovery of the industry, people in Scotland still have a key role to play in helping businesses get back on their feet.
“We are urging people across Scotland to support the tourism and events industry in any way they can, be it holidays, day trips, eating out, or visiting an attraction or taking a tour.
“The impact of tourism spreads far beyond the industry itself – it benefits our economy, communities and our wellbeing.”
David Weston, chairman of the Scottish B&B Association, which has about 400 members, said his sector has been hit hard but Easter weekend was an opportunity for the beginning of a bounce back. “Broadly, people are optimistic and anecdotally a lot of members seem to have good bookings,” he said, “but I wouldn’t want to give the impression it’s all wonderful.
“Obviously, they’re in a tough position. After the last two years, Scottish tourism is in a dire situation, financially. We desperately need a strong start to the season and good occupancy.
“But British people can still be a little reluctant to travel, partly because a lot of people have actually got Covid at the moment. International tourism is coming back but it’s going to be well below preCovid levels. Everyone is assuming we’re not yet going to get back to the same level of international visitors we have seen before the pandemic.
“But we’re all keeping our fingers crossed we’re going to have a brilliant Easter and it’s going to the start of a great season of Scottish tourism.”
Leon Thompson, executive director of Ukhospitality Scotland, a membership organisation for bars, cafes and hotels, said Easter weekend would bring a boost to business but warned of a dip for the rest of April. “Easter weekend is looking good for our members,” he said. “Visitors are coming from across Scotland, up north from England and there is a little bit of international visiting too.
“However, we expect it to be quite flat after this weekend, particularly in cities like Edinburgh. Some hotels are looking at an occupancy rate of 65% this April, versus 85% in April 2019.
“There are signs of the green shoots of recovery but we’re still not out of the woods yet.
“The sector as a whole is grappling with increased costs, with many members paying between 100%
and 200% more for gas and electricity. Some have pandemic debts that will take eight to 10 years to pay off.
“Businesses are desperate to get back on an even keel but it’s difficult to know when we’ll get back to the 2019 position.”