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| Coronavirus: Scottish tourism sector could reopen on 15 July | Coronavirus: Scottish tourism sector could reopen on 15 July |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| Scotland's tourism businesses have been told to prepare to reopen on 15 July. | Scotland's tourism businesses have been told to prepare to reopen on 15 July. |
| Tourism Secretary Fergus Ewing said the date was conditional on moving to the third phase of the route map for easing lockdown restrictions. | |
| He said businesses needed clarity to be able to plan for reopening and he announced a new taskforce. | |
| But he warned that "absolutely nothing can be guaranteed" and this date may change if the evidence on Covid-19 requires it. | |
| Mr Ewing told MSPs the pandemic had left the industry facing unprecedented challenges. | |
| 'Exceptional circumstances' | |
| But he said the new taskforce would focus on the sector's recovery needs, actions being taken by the UK government and the development of a new domestic visitor marketing campaign. | |
| It is in addition to the £2.3bn package of support for businesses across the country which includes measures specific to the sector, such as a full year's non-domestic rates relief and specific grant schemes that are not available elsewhere in the UK. | |
| Mr Ewing said: "The coronavirus pandemic has presented challenges across the entirety of the Scottish economy, but it is very clear there are exceptional circumstances facing this sector that must be recognised. | |
| "We have acted as quickly as we can to address the significant financial challenges faced by businesses and provide a comprehensive package of support." | |
| He also said the Scottish government was putting pressure on the UK government to do more, including a review of VAT rates and to consider extensions to schemes such as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. | |
| Mr Ewing added: "I've been engaging with businesses since the beginning of the outbreak and I have heard their calls for more clarity which today I can provide. | |
| "Businesses should start to prepare for a provisional return to trading - with appropriate safety guidelines - on the 15th July 2020. | |
| "This date cannot be definitive and is conditional on public health advice and progression to Phase 3 of the route map. Businesses must now use this time to satisfy the necessary regulations and adapt to the new way of living." | |
| 'Hugely positive' | |
| Marc Crothall, chief executive of the Scottish Tourism Alliance, said the announcement was "a hugely positive milestone in our road to recovery". | |
| He said they had been pushing for a date so that accommodation providers, visitor attractions, pubs and restaurants could plan effectively. | |
| He said this would include accepting bookings, arranging for staff to return from furlough, and ensuring that safety measures are in place for both employees and customers. | |
| Mr Crothall said "urgent solutions or alternative measures" were needed to "overcome" the current two metre distancing restrictions. | |
| He also called for some parts of the tourism sector, such as self-catering, caravan and camping parks, to be allowed to reopen earlier. | |
| But he added: "The reassurance that there is a summer season for tourism in Scotland will offer a huge comfort and relief to many thousands of businesses." |