NC500 visitor survey 'a positive sign for re-emergence of tourism'
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Feedback from a new North Coast 500 visitor survey has been hailed as "a positive sign for the re-emergence of the tourism industry" after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Tom Campbell, executive chairman of North Coast 500 Ltd, the business group that promotes the road trip, said it was encouraging to find that more than 70 per cent of visitors plan to come to the north Highlands over the next two years when travel restrictions have been lifted.
The survey asked people about the impact Covid-19 had on their travel plans for 2020. The results show that 20 per cent of respondents had to cancel their plans to experience the route last year. Seventy-one per cent went on to reschedule their trips for 2021 and 2022.
The results also indicated that hotels were the most popular type of accommodation, with over a third of people saying they plan to stay exclusively in hotels during their time on the route. This is an increase of eight per cent compared with a survey taken in June 2020.
One in four visitors say they will stay in guest houses and B&Bs while exploring the NC500.
There was a marginal increase in the number of people planning to visit the region by motorhome, campervan or caravan and there remained a heightened interest in glamping and self-catering.
Thirty-six per cent of respondents indicated that the pandemic has had an impact on their decision to use a particular type of accommodation. Of that group, most stated that they had switched to either camping, campervan or small self-catering.
Visitors indicated that they plan to spend an average of 11 days exploring the region. This figure remains unchanged from the June 2020 survey but is an increase from an average of nine days recorded in 2019.
Mr Campbell said: “After an incredibly tough year, it’s very promising to see a significant number of visitors planning to visit the North Coast 500 this year and in 2022 when travel restrictions have been lifted by the Scottish Government. This is a positive sign for the re-emergence of the tourism industry in the north Highlands.
“The 2020 NC500 visitor survey responses are fundamental to driving forward our future strategy. We will be utilising our regular webinars to address the feedback given and discuss with key representatives from VisitScotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Highland Council and Police Scotland.
“Once government restrictions have been lifted, we look forward to welcoming visitors back to this beautiful part of the world. However, we ask them all to make sure they check local travel advice as a vital part of planning their holiday.
"Book accommodation in advance, plan your exact route and make sure you have all of the necessary information and equipment to make your time on the NC500 safe and enjoyable.”
During the pandemic, North Coast 500 Ltd has run a series of webinars allowing businesses and communities to address concerns and work together to find "sustainable tourism solutions" for the region. Participants include representatives from VisitScotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Highland Council and the police.
The NC500 marked its fifth anniversary in 2020. What began as an initiative to bring some fresh opportunities to the area was in 2019 estimated to have boosted the economy by £22.89 million and created around 179 full-time jobs.
