The North Coast 500 organisation says it will be vital to achieve a balance between public safety and economic recovery in getting tourism in the north Highlands back on track.

It has reiterated its view that there are positive signs of the industry re-emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic from next year onwards, while emphasising that people from different parts of Scotland will only be encouraged to travel when safe to do so.

Under Scotland's new five-tier system of coronavirus restrictions there must be no non-essential travel for those living in parts of the country designated as level three – which means that, under the present rules, people in the central belt have to stay in their own area. Lockdown restrictions are in force across England until December 2.

North Coast 500 Ltd says research has indicated that "a significant number" of tourists are rescheduling their plans to visit the NC500 in 2021 and beyond.

The organisation has teamed up with VisitScotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Highland Council, Police Scotland and a range of other stakeholders to plan a road to recovery.

At the latest business group webinar led by NC500, tourism and community leaders discussed plans for the re-emergence of tourism from early 2021. The group is now looking into the practical measures, including further investment in infrastructure.

NC500 launched the series of webinars this summer to engage businesses and help address any public safety concerns surrounding the reopening the north Highlands to visitors in the autumn, winter and beyond.

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More than three-quarters of people who put their travels plans on hold due to the pandemic are expected to return to the North Coast 500 in the year ahead after travel restrictions are lifted by the Scottish Government, according to the most recent visitor survey.

It is felt that major changes in how Scots and those from other UK nations travel as a result of Covid-19 could help ensure the speedy recovery of the NC500, businesses and communities along the route.

When it is safe to travel, NC500 says it will again reach out to its global audience – including more than 23 million social media followers, a million annual web users, a mailing list of over 37,000 people and 3700 personal NC500 members, up 1000 over the same period last year.

It says the emphasis is on promoting "responsible and sustainable tourism" in the north Highlands

The route marks its fifth anniversary this year. What began as an initiative to bring some fresh opportunities to the area was last year estimated to have boosted the economy by £22.89 million and created around 179 full-time jobs, but NC500 Ltd warns that "all this is now at risk".

Craig Mills, head of operations at North Coast 500 Ltd, said: “It’s vitally important that we continue to work with our business partners and key stakeholders across the north Highlands to help deliver a balance between public safety and economic recovery in the region in the short and longer term.

“As part of this process, we’re continuing to follow the advice and guidance issued by the Scottish Government during the pandemic. We will only encourage people to travel from different parts of Scotland when it is safe to do so.

“Our recent NC500 visitor survey shows that a significant number of visitors are already rescheduling their plans to visit the NC500 into 2021 and beyond. This really is a positive sign for the re-emergence of the tourism industry in the north Highlands.

"We look forward to welcoming back visitors from all parts of Scotland and the rest of the UK when the go-ahead is given by the Scottish Government.”

VisitScotland's regional leadership director, Chris Taylor, said: “Due to Covid-19 there is evidence that a new, home-grown audience is discovering and enjoying Scotland’s more remote wild areas and locations, such as the NC500, which is fantastic.

"It is encouraging to hear of strong demand into 2021 with consumers continuing to seek out the stunning scenery and landscapes for which the north of Scotland is famous.

“As the national tourism organisation, we are in a strong position to guide, influence and offer advice to our visitors. We are always mindful of highlighting responsible and sustainable tourism messaging in our marketing and this is going to be even more important for the Highlands – and Scotland as a whole – in the future, and this is a core part of our recovery plan.

“It is imperative that we get the balance right between keeping people – both visitors and members of local communities – safe, but also supporting the scores of amazing tourism businesses that are so crucial in making the north Highlands a must-visit, must-return destination.

“Tourism is a force for good and, if managed responsibly, sustains communities in every corner of Scotland, creates jobs, tackles depopulation and improves the wellbeing of everyone who experiences it.”

Over two-thirds of the tourism firms on the NC500 are also set to reopen and welcome visitors back when it is safe to travel in response to NC500’s most recent coronavirus business impact survey.

A record 185 tourism businesses from across Inverness-shire, the Black Isle, Easter Ross, Wester Ross, Caithness and Sutherland responded to the survey.

Accommodation providers, food and drink outlets, retail operators, outdoor and visitor attractions hope that the eventual easing of lockdown measures in Scotland will mean that the north Highlands could see a return of the tourism season in early 2021.

Cromarty Firth councillor Maxine Smith, who chairs Highland Council’s tourism committee, said: “Although we’re very aware that things are difficult for many businesses at present, there is also a need for us to look forward to and prepare for a future when things improve.

"Part of this is the provision of new infrastructure which was a subject covered in detail at the council’s last tourism committee meeting.

“Plans are being developed which should guide future investment in infrastructure by both the public sector and communities themselves. We also envisage that this will create some opportunities for business diversification in areas such as the provision of overnight stops for motorhomes which could be a welcome boost to businesses as they emerge from the pressures brought on by the pandemic.”

Anna Miller, head of tourism at Highlands and Islands Enterprise, said: “Tourism has been hit heavily this year, but it will also be key to our region’s economic recovery.

The resilience and commitment shown by tourism and hospitality businesses in the past months has been incredible. They have continued to face new and evolving challenges as varying levels of restrictions and operating guidelines have been introduced.

"Despite these challenges we have seen a determination from our region’s businesses to continue to adapt, innovate and provide memorable and enjoyable experiences for visitors.

“The north Highlands offers a distinct and exciting product and its popularity is likely to continue over the coming years. Making the most of this opportunity, bringing benefits for local businesses and people around the region in a safe and sustainable way, requires collaboration between agencies, industry and communities.

"We are very pleased to be part of this collaboration and look forward to supporting the destination’s role in contributing to recovery in our tourism sector.”

Inspector Donnie Mackinnon, from Highland and Islands road policing at Police Scotland, said: "The safety of those who live in our communities and use the road network as well as those who visit the Highlands is of paramount importance. It is therefore imperative that Scottish Government guidance is adhered to and the public familiarise themselves with the restrictions that are in place for our safety and wellbeing.

“We recognise that the Highlands has much to offer and, when the time is right, we know people will be eager to visit. I urge all road users to drive or ride with care, obey Highway Code advice on country and single-track roads and promote positive use of road space by being tolerant and respectful."

The next NC500 business group webinar is expected to take place in January.

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