Scottish tourism leaders warn businesses and attractions are at risk of collapse over prolonged 'crippling' restrictions
Visitor attractions, wildlife organisations, adventure and marine tourism companies and accommodation providers have pleaded for more help from the Scottish Government to head off the risk of financial collapse after 15 months of being unable to trade normally.
They have warned that long-standing businesses and operators are at risk of “falling through the cracks” unless new lifelife grants are provided or reopening restrictions said to be having a “severe and crippling impact” are relaxed.
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Hide AdThe Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA) says only a quarter of sites which have reopened in recent months are operating at an “economically sustainable level and has warned that there is a “real danger” that some may have to be closed for good.
Around 55 per cent of the membership of Wild Scotland which represents the wildlife, adventure and activity tourism sectors, said they were operating at less than half their normal capacity due to the impact of social distancing restrictions and curbs on group trips.
Sail Scotland said 80 per cent of operators it surveyed said they were trading at unsustainable levels under the current guidelines.
The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers said a third of its members were having to operate at a reduced capacity.
ASVA chief executive Gordon Morrison said: “Scotland’s attractions sector is on its knees and desperately needs additional and significant financial support.
