Idea to help Inverness claw back tourism cash lost this summer
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INVERNESS could bounce back from the Covid-19 crisis by marketing itself as a winter destination.
Taking a leaf out of Edinburgh’s book and developing a winter tourism market could not only help businesses recover from the economic downturn, but also bring long-term benefits for the Highland capital.
That’s the view of one city guest house owner and it has been backed by business and tourism leaders.
David Shayer, who runs Aye Stay in Bishops Road, says Inverness needs to have a winter tourism market not just to deal with the impact of the crisis, but for the future, making the season more year-round.
He cited Edinburgh, which has festive attractions such as Christmas markets, as a model and would also like to see more use made of Eden Court and the adjoining Northern Meeting Park.
Mr Shayer, who is grappling with the dilemma of how he might reopen his business with social distancing, said the city did not do enough to promote itself for winter.
“We have skiing on our doorstep and many winter activities,” he told the Courier.
“Inverness should be seen as a destination like Edinburgh which has been established for winter markets, city breaks, ferris wheels and activities.”
He felt Christmas markets could run from the High Street along the River Ness and activities could be held at Eden Court and the Northern Meeting Park, which he said was empty most of the time.
Mr Shayer also said there was an issue with city hotels charging high prices during the summer and then dropping them to such levels in the winter which did not make it worthwhile for guest houses to open, resulting in some areas looking like ghost towns.
“Going forward, we need Inverness to have a package offering for a winter market not just for this crisis but for the future to make the season more all year round,” he said.
“There needs to be more control of the large hotel chains slashing their prices in the winter and overcharging in the summer. The high prices in the summer will start to give Inverness a bad name and we want to build a long-term destination.”
James Mackenzie-Blackman, chief executive of Eden Court, said his venue was going to have to evolve its business model as and when it was able to reopen its doors.
“The huge success of Under Canvas in 2018 and 2019 has really demonstrated that there is an appetite for high-quality events and artistic experiences on and around our beautiful grounds,” he said.
“I’m absolutely committed to working with partners across the city to do all we can to encourage visitors back, provide employment opportunities for local artists and celebrate all we have to offer.”
Stewart Nicol, chief executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, said there was a “fantastic” opportunity to develop Inverness as a winter destination, especially as the city already hosts a family-friendly Hogmanay party.
“I think the opportunity to develop the city for a better winter experience has a lot of merit,” he said.
“It would be worth exploring.”
He was unsure that regulating hotel prices was the way forward, but said if there were sufficient visitors in the winter, guest houses would be able to remain open.
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