(TAN): In response to coronavirus briefing on March 22 from the First Minister, VisitScotland supports the announcement from the Scottish Government that additional steps have been taken to help protect the remote and rural communities due to significant pressure from visitors.
VisitScotland is urging people to follow current advice: not to travel unless it is essential and to follow the social distancing advice and stay close to home.
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Ferry operators – which have already suspended bookings – have been advised to no longer take non-essential travellers. Those who do not normally live on the islands and have travelled there in the last few days will be able to leave to reduce pressure.
Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation have been advised to no longer accept visitors. Accommodation can be provided for staff and to help essential works and to support essential services.
VisitScotland Chief Executive Malcolm Roughead said,“VisitScotland is supporting this additional guidance from the Scottish Government. It has become apparent in recent days that people have not been following current guidelines and putting lives at risk.
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“We welcome this additional guidance for visitors, as well as for our tourism operators. We understand that it is a particularly worrying and stressful time for everyone. We want to protect our communities right across the country for the future as they are what make the visitor experience so special.
“There will be a time when we can welcome visitors back with open arms to enjoy all that is special about beautiful Scotland – but now is a time for staying safe and close to home,” added Roughead.
