More than £400,000 of funding will go towards saving Scotland’s “devastated” tourism industry.
The Tourism Destination and Sector Support Fund, launched by VisitScotland, will provide financial help to tourism destination and sector organisations across Scotland who have lost income due to lockdown.
The fund is open to all groups that have a membership base made up of entirely or predominantly tourism businesses, and will award up to 50% of membership income that is under threat.
Carroll Buxton, interim chief executive at Highlands and Islands Enterprise, said the funding could be a “lifeline”.
She said: “Tourism is a hugely important sector for the Highlands and Islands economy and extremely valuable source of employment.
“The support that sector organisations provide for their members will be particularly valuable through the current Covid-19 crisis and beyond.
“We very much welcome this additional support from VisitScotland, which will be a lifeline for many destination organisations.”
Alistair Danter, of SkyeConnect said the news was “heartening”.
He added: “This is welcome support from VisitScotland in recognition that membership fees, which form an important part of annual budgets, are likely to dry up this year.”
VisitAberdeenshire’s chief executive Chris Foy said: “Scotland needs sustainable destination organisations to represent the distinct flavours of different parts of the country.
“VisitAberdeenshire will continue to work with VisitScotland to restart and recover the north-east visitor economy.”
The National Trust for Scotland, responsible for castles and historic monument scattered across the country, is not eligible for the funding.
A spokesman said it was “welcome” for the wider sector, but that the organisation “hopes that further support is made available across the sector to enable it to survive and recover.”
Malcolm Roughead, chief executive of VisitScotland said: “We were keen to develop a funding package for destination organisations and sector groups as a way of supporting them through what has been the most challenging period the tourism industry has ever faced.
“The fund is a way for us to lead the way and help our tourism colleagues around the country not only on a financial level but also to continue to work together to help deliver a tourism strategy to help rebuild what is a vital part of the Scottish economy.”
To find out more about the fund, visit www.visitscotland.org/supporting-your-business/funding/coronavirus-dmo-fund
