Most visitors want to continue with NC500 travel plans, survey finds
More than three-quarters of people who put their travels plans on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic are expected to come back to the North Coast 500 after the go-ahead is given by the Scottish Government, according to a new survey.
Some 4000 people from the UK and abroad responded to the NC500 visitor survey from June 5-12, with 80 per cent stating that the pandemic has had no impact on their desire to explore the north Highland tourist route in the next six to 12 months and beyond.
Only 20 per cent of respondents had to cancel their visit to the NC500, but only six per cent said they were no longer planning to visit the region at all due the crisis.
With international tourism unlikely to return until at least late in 2021, there is a belief that more Scots than ever before will be attracted to the NC500.
The NC500 organisation believes there could be a "staycation boom" as the country recovers from the impact of Covid-19.
The survey suggests that the average number of days people plan to travel the NC500 post-lockdown has increased from nine to 11 days. Serviced hotels, guest houses and B&Bs continue to be the most popular choices for accommodation on the route (53 per cent collectively).
There has been no significant rise in the number of people planning to visit the region by motorhome, campervan or caravan, but there is a slight increase in those interested in camping, glamping and self-catering, largely due to visitors wishing to stay in self-contained accommodation.
The number of planned car journeys has decreased slightly, but intended travel by motorbike or bicycle remains unchanged from previous surveys.
While the domestic market is expected to be the key driver for economic recovery in the north Highlands post-lockdown (88 per cent), many visitors will be looking to tourism and hospitality businesses to adopt new measures to prioritise public health and safety, reassure people and restore confidence.
Suggested measures include continued social distancing, hand-sanitising stations, contact-free methods of check-in and payment, in-room dining options and certification that premises adhere to minimum hygiene standards through an industry-led "safe tourism" initiative.
The NC500 organisation has now launched a series of webinars to help address any public safety concerns surrounding the reopening the north Highlands to visitors this summer and beyond. Participants include representatives from VisitScotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Highland Council and Police Scotland.
The NC500 as a designated road trip marks its fifth anniversary this summer. Last year it was estimated to have boosted the region's economy by £22.89 million and created around 179 full-time jobs.
NC500 executive chairman Tom Campbell said: “It’s extremely encouraging to see that a significant number of visitors are already rescheduling their plans to visit the NC500 this summer, into 2021 and beyond. This really is a positive sign for the re-emergence of the tourism industry in the north Highlands.
“The breathtaking natural scenery, wide-open spaces, majestic mountain ranges, sandy beaches and rugged coastline of the NC500 are key factors that will draw visitors back to the region and away from larger towns and cities after lockdown.
“We’re expecting to see more UK visitors heading to Scotland, and driving and cycling will be the way people will want to take their holidays. As we all begin to think about what life might look like beyond the coronavirus pandemic, we know that the stunning natural landscape of the NC500 remains reassuringly unchanged and will continue to inspire people from around Scotland, the rest of the UK and beyond when it’s safe travel.
“As we start to plan for the reopening of tourism in the north Highlands, NC500 will continue to work to help deliver a balance between economic recovery and public safety.”
Last month, over two thirds of the tourism firms on the NC500 confirmed that they were set to reopen and welcome visitors back when it is safe to travel in response to the organisation’s coronavirus business impact survey. A total of 185 tourism businesses from across Inverness-shire, the Black Isle, Easter Ross, Wester Ross, Sutherland and Caithness responded to the survey between 14th and 26th May.