VisitScotland CEO welcomes provisional date of 15th July for reopening of tourism businesses
VisitScotland Chief Executive has welcomed today's announcement from Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Tourism.
Article Source: VisitScotland
Last Updated: 10 June 2020 19:02
VisitScotland Chief Executive Malcolm Roughead has welcomed today's announcement from the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Tourism, Fergus Ewing, of the provisional date of 15th July when tourism businesses may be able to resume operations.
He said: "This is great news for tourism businesses who have been asking for a date to help them restart the summer season. It’s clear the Cabinet Secretary has been listening to the industry and I welcome this announcement. We will continue to support Scottish businesses to ensure they have the right information, support and guidance to open safely.”
Mr Ewing made the announcement, which included the creation of a new Scottish Recovery Tourism Taskforce, during a statement to Parliament.
He said: “The coronavirus pandemic has presented challenges across the entirety of the Scottish economy, but it is very clear there are exceptional circumstances facing this sector that must be recognised.
“We have acted as quickly as we can to address the significant financial challenges faced by businesses and provide a comprehensive package of support. We are also pushing the UK Government to do more, including a review of VAT rates and to consider extensions to schemes such as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
“I’ve been engaging with businesses since the beginning of the outbreak and I have heard their calls for more clarity which today I can provide. Businesses should start to prepare for a provisional return to trading – with appropriate safety guidelines – on the 15th July 2020.
“This date cannot be definitive and is conditional on public health advice and progression to Phase 3 of the route map. Businesses must now use this time to satisfy the necessary regulations and adapt to the new way of living.”
For more information, visit: www.gov.scot/news/support-for-tourism-industry/
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