Part of the debate – in the Scottish Parliament at on 10 March 2021.
Fergus Ewing
Scottish National Party
We are all keen to see tourism restarting, but it is correct that we take a cautious approach. The triggers for restarting will, of course, be based on an assessment of the relevant public health evidence from epidemiologists, and will proceed on that basis. However, we are hopeful that we will see significant progress, given the success in tackling the virus combined with the fact that we have delivered more than 1.7 million doses of the vaccine and our aim is for every adult to be vaccinated by the end of July.
When restart happens—plainly, consideration is being given to precisely that—we will of course proceed in a gradual way. For example, last year, we started off by reopening self-contained premises such as self-catering accommodation, including caravans and caravan sites, because they allow people to have a holiday while staying within their bubble. Such an approach might commend itself again this year.
I am working hard with the sector and am engaging with it every day. In the past three days, I have had five meetings with various tourism interests. It is most certainly an issue on which there is an appetite for the provision of further information as quickly as possible, so we are working towards that end as I speak.