October 2020 - Page 4 of 10

The Impact of Rule of One Household to Properties that accommodate 7+

Posted on October 24, 2020October 24, 2020 by Fiona Campbell

The ASSC ran a second survey in light of the Scottish Government’s announcement of further restrictions to social gatherings, excluding the self-catering sector from the Rule of Six down to only one household. This followed the Scottish Government’s u-turn on its position regarding self-catering and its inclusion in the cap on the number of households that can meet.

The Scotland-wide sectoral survey related specifically to properties that accommodate 7+, assessing the requirement for additional financial support since their viability is significantly restricted, but they have not been told to close. They are ineligible for any of the financial support stemming from the Break.

Almost half of respondents have properties that accommodate 7+.
The vast majority of respondents are from rural areas of Scotland.
Losses range from £600 to £50,000, with an average loss of £5,415 across respondents.
Respondents report a lack of bookings since 23^rd September and a lack of onward bookings.
87% or respondents are on non-domestic rates
81% are concerned about the viability of their businesses.
24% have commercial debt associated with their business, 36% of whom would benefit from an extension to mortgage holidays to mitigate ongoing fixed costs.

ASSC Sectoral Survey on Impact of Single Household Restrictions

Letter to Kate Forbes MSP 22 October 2020

University of Edinburgh Business School Scholarship Programme for Exec MBA

Posted on October 23, 2020October 23, 2020 by Fiona Campbell

The University of Edinburgh Business School has launched a Scholarship Programme for Exec MBA specifically for the events, cultural and tourist/hospitality sector in Edinburgh.

There are five full scholarships (only need to pay the deposit of £1.5k) on this part time programme for experienced professionals in these sectors in Edinburgh – this is worth nearly £30k per person and is a huge opportunity for those affected by the economic fallout of CV19.

Ultimately the idea is to support these distressed sectors in the city by investing in key individuals who will contribute to the long term future and recovery of the sector.

There are full details here on how to apply, eligibility.

Applications welcome from individuals and from companies who wish an employee to be considered.

The deadline for applications is 30 October.

Scottish Government’s Task Force

Posted on October 23, 2020 by Fiona Campbell

“The publication of the Scottish Government’s Task Force document shows that planning is already underway to develop and fund a future for the industry. Sitting alongside the tourism strategy Scotland Outlook 2030, we’re starting to see building blocks emerging to recover the industry.

“Funding for this plan is crucial and we will need to ensure that tourism and hospitality is at the front of the queue when it comes to kick-starting the economy.

“That funding will need to come in the shape of support from the UK Government through a focus on the lowering of the tax burden for businesses – with reductions in VAT, Air Passenger Duty and continued support through loans, grants and furlough-type schemes all essential. Funding for marketing and resetting tourism in a responsible way will come from the Scottish Government and the signs are that they see that focus.

“Other elements around visitor management and a focus on ensuring people show respect for Scotland’s natural assets are being worked on whilst the digital capability of the industry needs strong investment so that we are easy to find and book.

“The Task Force plan is a truly collaborative effort with representatives from the tourism industry and key economic agencies feeding in their priorities. Tourism is being hit hard now and I feel for those trying to keep afloat and the inevitable redundancies we are hearing about every day. But, a future tourism model must help to rebuild those businesses, create jobs and support the well-being of our communities.”

Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive, VisitScotland

Read the Task Force document.