Part of the debate – in the Scottish Parliament at on 10 March 2021.
Fergus Ewing
Scottish National Party
We have been providing additional financial support for the sector. We also wish to provide as much clarity as possible on a road map for its eventual reopening. It is important to say that the section of the Scottish tourism sector that relies on international travel has been hit hardest of all. I take this opportunity to stress just how important international inbound travel is. Only this morning I was speaking to tour operators who stressed that people who come to play golf in Scotland or to enjoy the excellent hospitality, food and drink in our fine hotels and restaurants are a vital part of their businesses. Many such businesses—particularly those in our cities, but also those in rural Scotland—depend on international inbound custom from visitors, which prior to the Covid crisis was collectively worth £2 billion. I mention that because it is easy to neglect that segment of our tourism sector. I am delighted to have the chance to put that right now.