Article Source: VisitScotland
Last Updated: 14 July 2020 17:19
We all have a role to play in the recovery of the country’s valuable tourism industry, according to VisitScotland.
It’s outlined five simple actions that Scots can take to help restart the visitor economy, including taking a trip, visiting an attraction or experience, shopping locally, dining out and booking a staycation.
The campaign will run on social media and VisitScotland will be urging Scots and the tourism industry to share the message with their friends and customers, encouraging them to #take5fortourism to help inspire others to do their part.
With tourism worth more than £11.5 billion to the Scottish economy, supporting 1 in 12 jobs, the sector has been devastated by the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown and travel restrictions.
Whilst VisitScotland believes that the industry is resilient, it has warned that it won’t bounce back over night and the support of the domestic market will be vital for survival over the coming months.
In order to allay concerns regarding public safety, VisitScotland, alongside the national tourism bodies of England, Northern Ireland and Wales, announced a new UK-wide industry standard and consumer mark to provide confidence for visitors, communities and tourism businesses alike, as the sector works towards reopening. Since its launch last month over 4000 businesses have signed up to the ‘We’re Good to Go’ scheme.
A new visitor charter was also created by the national tourism organisation aimed at encouraging safe and responsible travel around the country. Businesses are currently updating their listings on visitscotland.com with opening information to make it easier for visitors to plan ahead.
Malcolm Roughead, VisitScotland Chief Executive said: “Scottish tourism is facing its biggest challenge in a generation and will need financial support for some time to come to help it recover. The Scottish public has a crucial part to play in helping this happen. It’s easy to not think of yourself as a tourist in your own country but many of the experiences that we often enjoy with loved ones, such as holidays, shopping or eating out, all contribute to our visitor economy.
“July 15 marks a new era for the industry as we start to welcome back visitors and take our first steps on the road to a safe and responsible recovery. However, reopening won’t be the same for all businesses, many are still adapting to this ‘new normal’, so it’s important that we recognise that as we move forward to try and restore our industry.
“We look forward to helping Scots rediscover their own country in a way that is safe for everyone - visitors, residents and those working within the industry. Recovery will require our collective efforts and we must act as one to ensure the best possible outcomes for the whole of the visitor economy.”
For more information on travelling in Scotland visit visitscotland.com
Grab some Buddie Good Deals in Paisley town centre from Saturday 11th October until Saturday 25th October.
READ MOREThere's loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs, loch tours and much more!
READ MOREScotland's largest wedding showcase, The Scottish Wedding Show, returns to Glasgow this weekend, ready to welcome thousands of couples from across the country looking to plan their dream day!
READ MOREKeela, the Scottish outdoor clothing brand, and Mountaineering Scotland Launch ‘Within You’, an new three-month campaign, inspiring Confidence, Connection, and Adventure in the Outdoors!
READ MOREScotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland, returns from 17th to 23rd November and tickets are on sale now!
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres is lifting community spirits this season with a Christmas tree donation across the country, in partnership with Needlefresh.
READ MOREFormer Celtic and Scotland football heroes to join ex-player with MND on 150-mile March of The Day to raise funds to help tackle the disease.
READ MOREAmy MacDonald, Hue and Cry, Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band, Skipinnish, Shay O'Dowd and James Emmanuel are among the first winners to be announced for the GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards!
READ MOREScotland’s colourful past bursts to life this October as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) returns with its popular Living History programme for the school holidays.
READ MOREA memorial cairn and plaque has been unveiled in Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park to remember the men who lost their lives working in the Muirshiel Barytes Mine between 1942 and 1969.
READ MORERenfrewshire is gearing up for another bumper season of fantastic festive events with an array of free, fun-filled activities for all!
READ MOREMarine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed for cosy coastal retreats and joyful pre-festive celebrations.
READ MOREThe Scottish Government's Women and Girls in Sport Week launches this week, celebrating the power of movement and encouraging women and girls of all ages to get active in ways that work for them.
READ MOREWith the October school holidays fast approaching, ScotRail has unveiled a new, affordable way for families to make the most of the break!
READ MORESeachdain na Gàidhlig will return in 2026, under the banner Use It or Lose It – and organisers are encouraging people across Scotland and the global diaspora to get behind the rallying cry.
READ MOREBrits are now picking up the cafetière, with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts revealing a 10% rise in coffee sales across its 32 UK hotels and resorts in the past year.
READ MORECommunity groups and voluntary organisations are being encouraged to apply for grant funding from Renfrewshire Council to enable them to put on activities for local people between October and March.
READ MORESome of the latest horror blockbusters – alongside creepy classics, enchanting family favourites and the ever-popular Twilight Saga – will all be heading to Vue venues this Halloween.
READ MOREChristmas has come early as Dobbies Garden Centres kicks off the season in style at its Christmas Launch Weekend which takes place from Thursday 9th to Monday 13th October.
READ MOREChildren's Classic Concerts return with their popular Halloween concert performances in Glasgow and Edinburgh later this month!
READ MOREPaisley has been shortlisted for the prestigious Scotland Loves Local Town of the Year Award, recognising the town's ambitious regeneration and community-led transformation.
READ MOREGlobal indoor leisure and recreation concept SuperPark will make its UK debut at Braehead Shopping Centre, bringing experience-led leisure to the centre next year!
READ MOREThe Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, Scotland's national music prize, has today revealed the 20 outstanding albums on 2025's Longlist.
READ MOREFor the first time, Beatson Cancer Charity has joined forces with the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service to highlight the vital role blood donors play in the treatment of blood cancers.
READ MOREA vibrant new activity and community space has officially opened within Ferguslie Park in Renfrewshire, transforming a long-term vacant area into a welcoming hub for local people.
READ MORELocal people are being encouraged to become part of their community councils as elections take place in five towns and villages in Renfrewshire.
READ MORERock star vocalist Davey Pattison spent 40 years performing in arenas and stadiums all over America.
READ MOREOn Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th September, Braehead Shopping Centre will host its 3rd annual recruitment event.
READ MOREWhen Rachael Smith started hosting her weekly chat show 'Buddie Talk' on Paisley Radio back in March this year, she never envisioned that it would take off quite as much as it has.
READ MOREAward-winning Scottish company SUPERFAN will bring their high-octane smash hit Edinburgh Fringe show Stuntman to Paisley Arts Centre on Wednesday 17th September!
READ MORE