Tourism industry boost
Perth and Kinross tourism destination and sector groups impacted by the coronavirus are set to receive a share of a £500,000 support package.
A total of 81 membership organisations have been successful in applying to VisitScotland’s Tourism Destination and Sector Support Fund - six from the region.
Blair Atholl Area Tourism Association, Heart 200, Kinross-shire Partnership, Meetings Perthshire, Pitlochry Partnership and Visit Aberfeldy tourism association will all benefit.
The one-off fund was created in response to the devastating impact of the pandemic on Scottish tourism and was open to all destination and sector groups that have a membership base made up of entirely, or predominantly, tourism businesses.
The fund, which closed on May 22, was originally set at £400,000 but was increased to £500,000 due to the volume of requests.
David Hamilton is treasurer of the Blair Atholl Area Tourism Association (BAATA) and was pleased to be among the successful applicants.
“We were delighted to receive our grant from VisitScotland,”he said.
“It will directly support the work of BAATA and our members across Highland Perthshire as we prepare for the future.”
Cabinet secretary for tourism, Fergus Ewing, said:“The coronavirus pandemic has been devastating for Scotland’s tourism sector.
“Throughout, I have been engaging with businesses and listening to concerns to explore how we can best help them navigate this unprecedented crisis.
“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 3 of the route map.”
Successful applicants could be awarded up to 50 per cent of their membership income under threat due to coronavirus.
Riddell Graham, director of industry and destination development at VisitScotland, said:“The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact on the Scottish tourism industry and this funding package for destination organisations and sector groups will hopefully go some way towards supporting them through this challenging time.
“We are pleased to have been able to increase our original funding pot to enable us to provide some funding for all eligible applicants.
“Even then it is unsurprising that the number of applications has been in excess of what is available and as such difficult decisions have had to be taken.
“Recovery will require our collective efforts and this fund represents a great opportunity to enable a collaborative approach to meet the massive challenges set by the pandemic and ensure the best possible outcomes for the whole of the visitor economy.”