Many businesses across Scotland’s tourism industry are ‘falling through cracks’ in the Scottish Government response to COVID-19, according to four surveys undertaken by leading Scottish tourism organisations.
ASSC, ASVA, Wild Scotland, and Sail Scotland have all found that significant numbers of the businesses they represent have been damaged and many jeopardised by a lack of Scottish Government action.
- ASSC: Many self-caterers are in a difficult or precarious situation, with 32% open at reduced occupancy, 16% operating at breakeven levels, with a further 16% open but remaining unviable.
- ASVA: 9 in 10 attractions that are not recovering from the impact of the pandemic at present.
- Wild Scotland: 36% of those that are open remain unviable.
- Sail Scotland: 53% businesses say they are open but remain unviable.
The four sector bodies have come together to make a plea to the Scottish Government for clearer communication, the easing of household restrictions, and changes to physical distancing measures
Scottish tourism has acted in an exemplary way throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, suffering heavy losses to help the national effort, and now is the time for the Scottish Government to help it rebuild.
Herald, Tourism operators plead for more help, 17/06/21
Daily Telegraph, Nicola Sturgeon apologises to businesses for poor lockdown communication, 16/06/17
Scotsman, Scottish tourism leaders warn businesses and attractions are at risk of collapse over prolonged ‘crippling’ restrictions, 16/06/21
Herald, Covid Scotland: Tourism operators warn ‘help us before it’s too late’, 16/06/21
Scottish Business Insider, Scottish tourism associations claim ‘businesses have fallen through the cracks’ during Covid, 16/06/21
STV also news ran with it as their top story on last night’s 18:00 broadcast, 17/06/21
