North Highlands will see re-emergence of tourism in 2021, says NC500 organisation
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THE NC500 organisation says it is confident that the north Highlands will see a "re-emergence" of its tourism industry next year.
Tom Campbell, chairman of North Coast 500 Ltd, pointed to a survey indicating that many visitors are rescheduling their plans to visit the area in 2021 – although he emphasised that people would only be encouraged to travel from different parts of Scotland when safe to do so,
He was speaking after the announcement by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon of Scotland's five-tier system of coronavirus restrictions. One consequence is that there must be no non-essential travel for those living in parts of the country designated as level three, which means people in the central belt have to stay in their own area under the present rules.
“We’re continuing to follow the advice and guidance issued by the Scottish Government during the pandemic to help deliver a balance between public safety and economic recovery in the north Highlands," Mr Campbell said. "We will only encourage people to travel from different parts of Scotland when it is safe to do so.
“Scotland’s world-leading NC500 tourist 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 all this is now at risk.
“NC500 is now staging a series of webinars to actively engage businesses to help address any public safety concerns surrounding the reopening the north Highlands to visitors this winter and beyond. Participants include representatives from VisitScotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Highland Council and Police Scotland.
“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.”
David Richardson, Highlands and Islands development manager for the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), warned about the impact on tourism in the north.
“While the Scottish Government’s response to the latest developments looks broadly proportionate, and the placing of the Highlands and Islands and Moray in level one is very welcome, this is only part of the picture,” Mr Richardson said.
“Tourism supports, directly or indirectly, more of our businesses and communities than any other industry, and consumers from what has perhaps been our single biggest market this year, the central belt, have now been told not to travel here.
“For many this will mark the end of the 2020 season.
“We cannot afford to let our Caithness and Sutherland business community go under, so FSB Scotland is asking the Scottish Government to explore alternatives to travel restrictions at the earliest opportunity, and to provide real help for businesses hit by this announcement.
“Above all, we need sufficient financial support to keep alive the many key groups, like those in tourism not covered by the hospitality hardship fund, and businesses without premises, and we need to see razor-sharp communications from government at all levels to keep everyone on-side and avoid confusion.”
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