Following the Scottish Government’s finalisation of a financial package amounting up to £9 million, UKinbound have welcomed this announcement as a ‘vital lifeline’ for Scotland’s inbound tourism industry.
According to Scottish Tourism Minister, Ivan McKee, this finance package will help relieve the ‘severe economic impact’ of the Omicron Variant.
This financial package includes £6 million from the £375 million business support package which was announced in December 2021, along with £3 million from the Tourism Recovery Programme.
This funding package will be distributed among Scottish coach operators, day tour providers, accommodation, inbound tour operators along with tourist attractions.
CEO of UKinbound, Joss Croft welcomed this announcement. “We’re very pleased that the Scottish Government has recognised the devastating impact Omicron is having on the tourism industry and its supply chain, and is rolling out an additional financial package.”
However, Croft noted that “in stark contrast, Westminster continues to leave the inbound tourism industry out in the cold, ignoring the crippling impact of international restrictions on inbound tour operators.”
The Northern Ireland Executive have yet to announce a similar funding package for Northern Ireland’s tourism industry.
