Perthshire North MSP, Mr John Swinney, has today welcomed plans to allow tourism and hospitality businesses to open from July 15th. 
 
The announcement was made today in the Scottish Parliament by the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Tourism, Fergus Ewing MSP.

Mr Ewing confirmed the Scottish Government’s intention to give the greenlight to the tourism and hospitality sector’s re-opening on the July 9th review of existing guidelines This cannot yet be guaranteed, however, and is subject to continued suppression of COVID-19.

Mr Ewing also announced the formation of a Scottish Tourism Recovery Taskforce to take forward strategic oversight of the recovery from COVID-19. 
 
 
Commenting, Mr Swinney said:
 
“I am pleased that, after an unprecedented period of disruption, our tourism and hospitality sector can begin planning for the future.

“Whilst we acknowledge that the July 15th date cannot yet be definitive, and is dependent upon our continued progress in battling COVID-19, I would encourage businesses across Perthshire to begin preparing for re-opening.

“As the Cabinet Secretary made clear, this will not be a return to “business as usual”. Rather, all businesses will be required to make adaptations to ensure that the health of visitors, workers and the local community are not endangered by the re-opening of this vital sector. I would therefore encourage all relevant businesses across Perthshire to carefully read the Scottish Government’s guidance on the necessary changes that will be required. This will be published in the near future.

“I also welcome the announcement of a Scottish Tourism Recovery Taskforce. Tourism is a vital part of Perthshire’s economy, and a sector that has been particularly hard hit by COVID-19. To that end, I am pleased that the Scottish Government recognise the importance of getting this sector back on track as quickly and safely as possible.”