The Scottish tourism industry has welcomed the announcement that tourist travel restrictions will be eased from April 26th in Scotland, but those in the hospitality and retail sectors still have concerns.
Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 2.33 p.m.
Updated Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 3:17 p.m.
Travel restrictions for “broader purposes” such as staying in tourist accommodation, leisure facilities, shopping and visiting restaurants will remain in place until April 26, the First Minister said at her briefing on Tuesday.
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Many in the tourism industry in Scotland have welcomed the First Minister’s date on April 26th, which allows tourists to finally visit and stay in Scotland.
Ben A-an in Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park with a view over Loch Katrine (Image: VisitScotland).
Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, said: “Today’s announcement by the First Minister is a very welcome boost for tourism and hospitality businesses across the country and provides further clarity on when and where visitors can travel.
“On the way to April 26th, VisitScotland will seek to support businesses by providing helpful advice on how to start afresh safely and responsibly.
“We are focused on the recovery of the industry and creating a destination and visitor experience that enables tourism and events to flourish now and in the future. We will continue to work with and support companies to ensure we get this important part back.” build up.” the Scottish economy.
VisitScotland hopes people will use the next fortnight to meet up with family “instead of expanding resources in well-known tourist destinations.”
Mr. Roughead added, “If you are traveling for recreational purposes, please ensure that you are protecting the community and natural resources by being responsible and respectful when visiting.”
The regional airline Loganair is also pleased about the relaxation of travel restrictions.
Jonathan Hinkles, Loganair’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are delighted to see that the Scottish Government has embarked on a path to safely reopen travel and tourism to and from Scotland’s islands – a step made possible by the tremendous progress on the Covid Vaccination program.
“It’s great news and it can’t come too early for those parts of our islands economy that are heavily dependent on tourism.”
However, those in the hospitality industry are still concerned about licensing restrictions despite the news.
A spokesman for the Scottish Beer and Pub Association said: “We urgently need a return to indoor licensing times, as well as alcohol that will go on sale indoors from April 26th.
“FM hints at a reopening indoors off England, but without alcohol service it is meaningless to licensed hospitality and little comfort for brewers.”
The Scottish Retail Consortium has also raised concerns for its industry during the pandemic.
A spokesman for them said: “The reopening alone will not be a miracle cure: stores hit by the lockdown have missed over £ 2 billion in 18 weeks.
“It will take time for retailers to recover: after this bitter winter and slow spring, some form of consumer incentive is vital.”
The Scottish Chambers of Commerce drew attention to the “lack of detail” in the announcement by saying “leaves businesses in the dark”.
A spokesman for the Scottish Chambers of Commerce said: “We are on the right track as social restrictions are easing, but business needs to see the Scottish government easing economic restrictions as well.”
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