This afternoon Cabinet Secretary for Tourism Fergus Ewing suggested that from 15 July Scottish tourism businesses may be able to resume operations. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Scotland welcomed these indicative timescales, revealed in a statement to the Scottish Parliament.
Andrew McRae, FSB’s Scotland policy chair, said: “With these new details about when they’ll possibly re-open, small accommodation providers can start making the necessary preparations. That gives these firms an opportunity to salvage a share of their summer season. Ministers have made a sensible decision by releasing this information.
“But Scottish tourism isn’t just a bed for the night. Other businesses in the visitor economy – such as tour guides or local galleries – can now start making decisions about how and when they should re-open. Tourists will also want places to eat, drink and explore when they get here. That’s why the plan to re-open Scotland to visitors needs to reflect the breadth of the industry and the views of local communities.”
ENDS
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