Holiday vouchers, discounts for days out and a marketing fund are all part of a new £25m tourism recovery programme from the Scottish Government.
Speaking at the Scottish Tourism Alliance conference, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced the funding to support the sector’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
The programme, which has been developed by the Scottish Tourism Emergency Response Group (STERG), in partnership with businesses, will support the Scottish Tourism Recovery Taskforce objectives.
It includes:
- A holiday voucher scheme to create a more socially sustainable and inclusive tourism industry.
- A days out incentive scheme to support areas such as attractions, tours, activities and experiences.
- A talent development and leadership programme for tourism and hospitality staff.
- A Net Zero Pathway to make Scotland’s tourism industry more green and sustainable.
- A marketing fund to support organisations to promote their destination or sector when domestic travel is able to resume.
Sturgeon said: “It’s been an incredibly difficult year for all businesses, but I don’t underestimate the acute challenges our tourism and hospitality sectors have faced.
“We’ve provided an unprecedented amount of funding for the sector, including over £129m in business support and an extension of rates relief for 2021/22, but as the vaccine roll-out continues, and the lockdown restrictions begin to ease, we know more is needed to help tourism and hospitality businesses get firmly back on their feet.
“This is short term recovery funding to support the industry for the next six months to two years, as we move back towards some form of normality, and it ensures we can achieve the objectives of the taskforce.”
She added: “I set out a vision for Scotland to be a leader in 21st century tourism when I announced Scotland Outlook 2030 at this very conference last year - I am confident, that by working in partnership, we can still achieve this vision.”
Further details on the allocation of funds will be set out in due course.
The move comes the same day as the travel company Tui announced that it is to shut another 48 stores at a time of "unprecedented pressure" for the industry.
Under current Covid-19 restrictions, it is illegal to travel abroad for holidays and other leisure purposes.
This is set to change, but the Scottish Government stated it is certain that it will not be possible before 17 May and "maybe for some time after".
A UK Government senior scientific adviser recently suggested that people should plan to holiday in the UK this summer.
Don't miss the latest headlines with our twice-daily newsletter - sign up here for free.
