Small steps for helping tourism in Scotland

So we’re going to have to be very careful and it’s likely to be the case that these restrictions are lifted very slowly, very gradually and in a phased way. Here are my suggestions of the gradual process that affect the various Tourism Sites (pasted and amended with what should come first from the Government website) Chalet, holiday hut and bothy Self-catering holiday accommodation (max 5 on site) then Self-catering holiday accommodation over 5 Single Caravan Camping Site Small say ones that are part of the caravan club first then the bigger ones say more than 10 Caravan site Small say ones that are part of the caravan club first then the bigger ones say more than 10 then Timeshare accommodation Timeshare and Caravan sites with pools and gyms should not have that element reopening until its medically safe . When others in this category are allowed to re-open this is the time for them to open. Bed and breakfast then Guest house, small Hotel (less than 5 bedrooms) then Hotels 5-50 bedrooms then Hotels 50 plus bedrooms I believe this is what is happening in Spain

Why the contribution is important

Scotland's Health is the priority but getting Scotland's tourist industry slowly reopening is one too. It is important to do this slowly and I feel I am giving the solution above A small self catering accommodation cottage up a Scottish glen cant be compared with a 500 site caravan park in the central belt

by brianboyd on May 07, 2020 at 03:09PM

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Average rating: 4.3
Based on: 17 votes

Comments

  • Posted by Kamcinl May 07, 2020 at 15:39

    Airbnbs should be allowed to open.

  • Posted by Cheryl May 07, 2020 at 16:54

    I agree tourism will need to be gradually opened up but considerations need to be made regarding capacity in the tourist areas. The infection is still around so inviting tourists to rural areas could put a strain on their local hospitals and spread infection from area to area. Social distancing in guest houses , hotels etc poses more of an issue than in households going to a self catering cottage. Accommodation would need to be deep cleaned between bookings but with these precautions in place tourism could slowly start again.

  • Posted by Sia May 07, 2020 at 17:07

    Agree that we need to be aware of capacity and scope of impact for rural and island communities which often have very fragile healthcare systems and limited options and capacity for patient transport. Bothies are often in such places, and travelling to them will include traversing life line travel routes and vehicles.

  • Posted by kgow May 07, 2020 at 17:22

    I agree that tourism might need a phased reintroduction but wider consideration needs to be made to things such as how the community feels and how the logistical infrastructure (food supplies etc) is coping.

  • Posted by Strathearn May 07, 2020 at 17:23

    You mention camp sites and I agree that they are among the safer tourism sites to open. As pitches are well spaced it is easy to maintain social distancing. However, the opening and controls can be more nuanced than that and I'm sure that providers such as the Caravan & Motorhome Club and the Camping & Caravan Club, as well as organisations representing commercial operators, could work with Scotgov on steps and precautions. The safest would be short stays by people in motorhomes who have the potential to be completely self sufficient for a few days (with own water, food, sanitary & cooking facilities on board). Even booking in could be done without contact. Beyond that, all the potential spots for virus transmission need to be identified and mitigated, such as usage of toilet and shower blocks, or even shared water taps and CDP points. Obviously, if people are travelling there is the question of what they are doing and where they are going, but many I know simply want to enjoy the countryside and would be happy to avoid indoor tourist attractions and restaurants until they feel they are safe to visit.

  • Posted by RobertDG May 07, 2020 at 18:35

    I agree that self-catering is a perfect option to welcome tourists back to Scotland. Especially rural properties where social distancing will often be easier to maintain than at the guest's urban home. Of course we need to be careful to ensure a high standard of sanitation to protect employees, guests and the community. With properly trained housekeeping staff it will be possible to do this safely.

  • Posted by Dave_H May 08, 2020 at 11:30

    I would suggest it should be possible to re open guest houses and B&B's fairly early on in the process of relaxing the lockdown. Simple precautions like ensure each room is only occupied by family members who normally live together. As restaurants will probably not open until later, the guest house would have to provide full or half board and so would have to feed each room of guests in shifts or in a large dining room to give enough social distancing. Use of communal lounges would probably not be wise at this time. With simple precautions this could open up part of the vital tourism industry with little risk to the general population. Other simple precautions only allow travel to pre booked accommodation so people are not travelling about aimlessly trying to find somewhere that is open.

  • Posted by TracyMcLachlan May 09, 2020 at 08:10

    The whole problem with tourism is that it is encouragaing people to travel for purely non-essential purposes (i.e. holidays). All hospitality businesses should be closed until the pandemic is over and a vaccine is available. I appreciate that many people are employed in the tourist industry but the government need to support these people so that they can survive in the meantime. Otherwise you just risk the pandemic taking off again and deaths rocketing.

  • Posted by Cathol May 11, 2020 at 19:04

    Agree. I appreciate the comments about holidays aren’t essential but consider the business’s that provide ‘non essential’ services. To them it is essential. Business’s/lives are ruined and going forward their will not be enough to meet demand. If everyone acts responsibly we can enjoy our country. Support our business’s. Support each other rather than try to destroy what you personally dont deem as essential.
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