Inverness and Nairn MSP Fergus Ewing announces provisional return date of July 15 for Scotland's tourism businesses as coronavirus lockdown eases
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A provisional date of July 15 has been set for when tourism businesses may be able to resume operations.
Inverness and Nairn MSP Fergus Ewing made the announcement in the Scottish Parliament in his role as Tourism Secretary.
Dependent on public health advice and progression to phase three of the Scottish Government lockdown route map, a new Scottish Recovery Tourism Taskforce has also been set up to help the sector which is a siginficant employer across the Highlands.
The taskforce will look at the sector’s recovery needs as well as the development of a new domestic visitor marketing campaign.
Mr Ewing 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 July 15, 2020.
“This date cannot be definitive and is conditional on public health advice and progression to phase three of the route map.
"Businesses must now use this time to satisfy the necessary regulations and adapt to the new way of living."
