Funding Packages for Tourism Businesses Impacted by Omicron

Wild Scotland continues to represent and lobby on behalf of members during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Over the past month we have been highlighting and providing evidence from our members relating to the impact across the outdoor sector as a result of Omicron. 

As a result, the outdoor sector has been recognised as one of those significantly impacted over the past couple of months and will therefore be included in the funding packages announced today by the Scottish Government: £9 million to mitigate impacts of Omicron.

Details of a financial package worth up to £9 million for Scotland’s vital tourism sector have been confirmed by Tourism Minister Ivan McKee. 

The funding package is to be administered by VisitScotland and will be split between affected businesses in the following areas:

• coach operators

• day tour operators

• hostels

• inbound tour operators

• outdoor/marine

• visitor attractions

Tourism Minister Ivan McKee said:

“We recognise that the public health measures necessary to limit the spread of Omicron have had a severe economic impact, especially for affected businesses in the hard hit tourism sector.

“We have now allocated up to £9 million to help ease the impacts of the pandemic on Scotland’s world-class tourism sector and ensure that affected businesses can survive what is clearly an especially tough winter period and be ready to trade fully in the spring and summer months.

“We know this won’t cover all losses and will continue to press the UK Government for more comprehensive support.”

Chief Executive of VisitScotland Malcolm Roughead said:

“Scotland’s valuable tourism industry is still facing significant challenges posed by the pandemic.    

“This funding will provide crucial support to businesses affected by the necessary steps taken to tackle the spread of the Omicron variant.    

“We recognise that many businesses are struggling, and we are working to ensure that those eligible can access this funding as simply and as quickly as possible. Further details on this will be shared next week.”

Image Credit: Progression Bikes