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
The Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 celebrated the cream of the crop in the jazz scene on Sunday night, honouring outstanding artists and contributors at a memorable ceremony in Glasgow.
READ MORE
Interior designer, BBC Scotland's Home of the Year judge and entrepreneur Anna Campbell-Jones has released her first spirit.
READ MORE
Glasgow's Winter Wonderland gives visitors a taste of the festive season with foodie highlights including Scotland's best burger!
READ MORE
Rickshaw & Co has launched its festive menu, bringing bold Indian and Bangladeshi flavours to December in Partick.
READ MORE
Glasgow Print Studio is thrilled to announce the release of a new limited-edition print by journalist, TV presenter and writer Kirsty Wark as part of their Call & Response series.
READ MORE
This December, Glasgow's Oran Mor premieres Morag Fullarton's new theatre production, 'It's a Wonderful Life... Mostly'.
READ MORE
Raise a dram to a decade of Deliveroo: Civerinos and Deliveroo launch 10p pizzas to celebrate 10 years of feeding the people of Scotland.
READ MORE
Glasgow Fort has teamed up with Leopardo Pizza to launch a Home Alone-inspired competition, giving shoppers the chance to win a year's supply of Kevin McCallister’s favourite cheese pizza.
READ MORE
Lidl has unveiled its first-ever ‘Lidl Wrapped’ - a celebration of some of the nation's favourite buys, brought to life as limited-edition Christmas wrapping paper
READ MORE
Glasgow Fort has teamed up with local charities to help raise awareness of the support they can provide to people of all ages experiencing feelings of loneliness and isolation at Christmas.
READ MORE
Tron Theatre is delighted to announce its brand-new season of work for Spring/Summer 2026.
READ MORE
This Sunday visitors to VEGA's Christmas Market have the chance to “unwrap the city” and win the ultimate Glasgow Christmas gift worth over £1,000!
READ MORE
City centre shopping destination Buchanan Galleries has expanded its retail line-up this December with the arrival of two new stores, offering visitors even more choice in the run-up to Christmas.
READ MORE
Lab mentors and partners include Oscar-winning and nominated directors, leading animation studios, and executives from Netflix, BFI, Aardman, and Curzon.
READ MORE
Scotland's basketball franchise Caledonia Gladiators has launched a unique new VIP experience – thought to be the most exclusive sporting seat in the country – in aid of charity.
READ MORE
Since launching in 2019, the Shipyard Bards, Tall Tales and Dinner events held at Glasgow's Mharsanta restaurant have repeatedly sold out.
READ MORE
Gillian Shirreffs has raised over £30,000 for charity through her writing, and she'll be signing copies of Elephant on Saturday 13th December at Waterstones Byres Road.
READ MORE
Silverburn, Glasgow's leading retail and leisure destination, has unveiled a packed diary full of events this December, as guests get ready for Christmas.
READ MORE
Celtic Connections surprised Saturday morning coffee goers with live pop-up gigs across Glasgow, bringing emerging artists into unexpected spaces.
READ MORE
As part of Glasgow 850's Get You In Panto Town celebration, new figures reveal the significant economic contribution of Glasgow's beloved pantomime season to the city's economy.
READ MORE
If your New Year's resolution is to have more fun, start early at Flight Club!
READ MORE
Sloans, has unveiled a spectacular festive transformation following a £300,000 investment that has reinvented the 228-year-old venue inside and out.
READ MORE
There’s plenty for fans of South Asian cinema to enjoy at Vue this December, with a number of titles heading to the big screen.
READ MORE
Some visitors reckon that Santa's cousin who is currently in residence at Winter Wonderland at Glasgow Green is the coolest of Santas.
READ MORE
Children in Glasgow are in for a festive treat this year, as a number of local retailers have announced they will be giving away all 15 toys featured on this year's coveted DreamToys list.
READ MORE
National Trust for Scotland has added its voice to those seeking assurances about the preservation of the first ever Hampden Park in Glasgow.
READ MORE
The newly opened Luss Distillery has announced its first events ahead of the festive season.
READ MORE
Glasgow shoppers embraced “slow shopping” as The Social Hub hosted its Rethink Black Friday market, offering a calm alternative that spotlighted local makers.
READ MORE
Christmas is in full swing at Glasgow Fort, with festive character visits, the Christmas market and family activities now underway to help get shoppers of all ages into the festive spirit.
READ MORE
Jackton Distillery, the family run Lowland distillery behind the RAER whisky, spirits and wine portfolio, has announced a packed Christmas calendar for December 2025.
READ MORE