Tourism needs you!

VisitScotland is calling for people across Scotland to support the sector in its 'time of need' as it prepares to reopen on 15th July.

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

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Unfolded brings sustainable pop up shop and sample sale back to Glasgow for one weekend only at the iconic Buchanan Galleries

Groundbreaking Scottish sustainable ladies fashion brand Unfolded is returning to the heart of Glasgow and the homeland of ladies fashion for one weekend only.

Martin Compston to bring star power to Hoolie in the Hydro as co host

Celebrated Scottish actor Martin Compston has been announced as the co-host for this year's highly anticipated Hoolie in the Hydro: The Big Yin.

Buchanan Galleries marks Purple Tuesday with Charity Partnerships

Buchanan Galleries is marking Purple Tuesday, on 4th November, with a series of initiatives designed to champion accessibility and inclusion within the centre.

Pizza Punks is coming to town with an all new door to door delivery service

Pizza Punks Glasgow have revealed a revolutionary new service, door to door delivery, and to celebrate, the pizza scene disrupters are offering 50% off your first order!

Reward offered for return of Elvis artwork stolen from The Clutha Bar in Glasgow

The Clutha Bar and local artist Moe Rocksmoore are appealing for the safe return of Elvis, a much-loved artwork created by children and young people from Glasgow and Renfrewshire schools.

Book Tales: Storytelling through the lives of readers past and present

This November, the University of Glasgow and The Mitchell Library invite you to explore the rich and historical life of books in a series of engaging Being Human Festival.

First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets

First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

Scotland Meats Germany

Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.

Cineworld Glasgow Silverburn unveils luxury recliners and immersive 4DX experience

Cineworld Glasgow Silverburn has just completed a major transformation, introducing luxury recliner seating and an immersive 4DX auditorium!

Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour

Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.

Crossbasket Castle unveils festive events for 2025

As the festive season approaches, five-star Scottish castle, Crossbasket Castle, has unveiled its calendar of seasonal events and experiences.

Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night

Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.

Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.

Mowgli Street Food unveils its Christmas feasting menus

Mowgli Street Food restaurants have launched their special Christmas menus - a vibrant celebration of Indian home-style cooking, made for sharing.

The Superlative Collection to host charity fashion show in collaboration with Smart Works Scotland in Princes Square

The Superlative Collection are taking over Glasgow's iconic Princes Square, on Friday 21st November, to host a charity fashion show in collaboration with Smart Works Scotland.

KENJI to open first Scottish store at Silverburn

Silverburn, Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, will welcome Scotland’s first KENJI store this December.

Aldi calls on schools in Glasgow to sign up for healthy eating programme

Aldi is inviting schools, parents and guardians in Glasgow to sign up to its Get Set to Eat Fresh programme, which teaches children about the importance of healthy eating.

The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries

Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.

Sterling Home brings festive cheer with heartfelt Christmas donation

Leading furniture retailer Sterling Home is lighting up the festive season with a generous donation of Christmas decorations and furniture to children’s hospices and hospitals across Scotland.

Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids

Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.

Double win for Rickshaw & Co. and Raja Rani Restaurant in Glasgow at the Asian Restaurant Awards

Two of Glasgow's most loved dining spots, Rickshaw & Co. and Raja Rani Restaurant, have achieved a remarkable double victory at the Asian Restaurant Awards 2025.

Omniplex Cinema Group acquires iconic Renfrew Street cinema

Omniplex Cinemas has announced the acquisition of Glasgow's iconic Renfrew Street cinema, the tallest cinema in the world, marking an exciting new chapter for the venue.

Design your own FORTY t shirt at two stores in Glasgow tomorrow

Glasgow's homegrown streetwear brand, FORTY Clothing, is marking a major milestone in style with a series of creative design events for its customers across its stores tomorrow.

Casting announced for The Enormous Crocodile at the Kings Theatre Glasgow

The Roald Dahl Story Company today announces the full cast for the wickedly funny family musical based on Roald Dahl's The Enormous Crocodile!

One more! A quarter of Scots say they will spend their extra hour in the pub as clocks go back

To celebrate, Innis & Gunn is hosting 'Sunset Sessions' at its three Taprooms in Glasgow and Edinburgh, with live trad music performances kicking off at 4.50pm - the exact time of sunset!

FIRST LOOK: GlasGLOW returns Miles Better with its biggest show yet

80,000+ visitors expected, with opening weekend sold out, as itison unveils epic new images!

Five March brings Samhain celebrations to Glasgow with a long table five course feast

Iconic Glasgow west end restaurant, Five March, is teaming up with Edinburgh Gin to mark the end of the harvest season with a Samhain celebration feast.

Cast announced for Citz festive retelling of Beauty and The Beast

A celebration of being bold and gloriously yourself, this year’s Citizens Theatre production of Beauty and The Beast is a family-friendly and funny new take on the classic fairytale.

Expanded River Island opens at Glasgow Fort, making it the largest branch in Scotland

As part of a major 'glow up' for the brand at Glasgow Fort, River Island has relocated its existing store within the centre to a larger, more modern unit, located between Superdry and BPerfect.