Scotland and reopening of tourism – hint that caravan parks may lead the way

“Last year we started by reopening caravan sites … such an approach might comment itself again this year.”

Fergus Ewing, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy, recently responded to questions in the Scottish Parliament regarding the opening up of tourism.

His response was as follows:

“We are all keen to see tourism restarting, but it is correct that we take a cautious approach … we are hopeful that we will see significant progress, given the success in tackling the virus ….

“When restart happens — plainly, consideration is being given to precisely that — we will of course proceed in a gradual way. For example, last year, we started off by reopening self-contained premises such as self-catering accommodation, including caravans and caravan sites, because they allow people to have a holiday while staying within their bubble. Such an approach might commend itself again this year.

“I am working hard with the sector and am engaging with it every day. In the past three days, I have had five meetings with various tourism interests. It is most certainly an issue on which there is an appetite for the provision of further information as quickly as possible, so we are working towards that end as I speak.”