Scotland’s tourism businesses have been told to prepare to reopen on 15 July.

Tourism Secretary Fergus Ewing said the date was conditional on moving to the third phase of the route map for easing lockdown restrictions.

A new Scottish Recovery Tourism Taskforce will assist with the ongoing reset of the sector –  and a provisional date of 15 July has been set for when tourism businesses may be able to resume operations, dependent on public health advice and progression to Phase 3 of the Scottish Government lockdown route-map.

The taskforce will look at the sector’s recovery needs as well as actions being taken by the UK Government and the development of a new domestic visitor marketing campaign. 

Membership of the Scottish Tourism Recovery Taskforce is being confirmed and more details will follow.

Tourism and Hospitality safer workplace guidance is due to be published shortly.

On the announcement made today, Dr Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce said:

“This will be welcome news for so many who are reliant on hospitality and tourism for their livelihoods.

“The Scottish Chamber network alone represents over 1,600 businesses in the tourism sector which employ over 46,000 people, underlining how critical it is for jobs and skills that the sector thrives.

“The Scottish Government has listened but for some, it is already too late and the challenge ahead remains clear. The sector, which is essential to maintaining the fabric of many areas of Scotland remains fragile.

“These companies will continue to need support to ensure they can adapt to provide a safe experience for visitors.”

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