As COVID-19 restrictions are further eased, and Scottish tourism prepares to reopen on the 15th July, VisitScotland has issued a new visitor charter on how to enjoy Scotland over the coming months.
Launched by Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing on Friday 3 July, the national tourism organisation has developed a host of top tips aimed at encouraging safe and responsible travel around the country.
It is hoped the advice, which is available to tourism businesses through VisitScotland.org to download, print and display and promote on social channels, will aid the recovery of one of Scotland’s most valuable industries.
With tourism worth more than £11.5 billion to the Scottish economy, supporting one in 12 jobs, the sector has been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown and travel restrictions.
The guidance includes
– Not travelling if you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been told to self-isolate
– Observing physical distancing measures
– Regular use of hand sanitiser and regular handwashing
– Planning ahead and checking if businesses and attractions are open and welcoming visitors
– Being considerate of local communities and their precious resources
– Supporting the local tourism industry by eating local, seeing local and buying local
This advice will sit alongside several visitor charters and advice already being produced by sector groups and destination organisations – all trying to ensure that tourism restarts in the most responsible manner possible.
Last week, VisitScotland announced a new marketing campaign inspiring Scots to rediscover their own country and enjoy what is on their doorstep. The strategy introduced a phased approach to ensure communities, of which tourism businesses are a part, don’t feel overwhelmed by a sudden influx on visitors, while getting the tourism industry up and running again. Future phases of the domestic campaign will extend when the time is right to promote Scotland across the UK and Ireland.
Tourism Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “Visitors are at the heart of Scotland’s tourism industry and they will be vital in restarting and recovering the sector from the devastating impacts of coronavirus.
“I’m pleased to launch this new visitor charter today, as we start to see some areas of the sector reopening. This guidance will be an instrumental tool in helping tourists travel responsibly and I encourage everybody who may be planning a staycation this year to familiarise themselves with it. We all have a part to play in ensuring the tourism industry can reopen safely and securely, whilst suppressing the spread of the virus.”
Malcolm Roughead, VisitScotland Chief Executive, said: “We are pleased that after a very difficult few months Scotland’s tourism industry are starting to welcome visitors. However, it’s important to remember that things may be a little different now, there may be reduced facilities available or if busy, a greater need to follow physical distancing restrictions to protect yourself and others.
“Planning and researching will also become an important part of the holiday experience and we really want visitors to ‘know before they go’ when it comes to travel; checking what is open and pre-booking if required.
“By following this advice and all working together, we can help get Scottish tourism back on its feet in a safe and responsible way.”
For more information on travelling in Scotland visit visitscotland.com
For more information and to view the visitor charter, visit: https://www.visitscotland.org/supporting-your-business/advice/coronavirus-recovery/visitor-charter
