Covid-19 is a blow to Falkirk district’s tourism industry

With some of Scotland’s top visitor attractions on our doorstep, the coronavirus pandemic is having a big impact on the region’s tourism economy.

Since the lockdown was announced on March 23, businesses across the country have been forced to close.

But for tourism businesses – be they attractions like the Kelpies or the Falkirk Wheel, or those in the hospitality industry providing welcome refreshments for visitors – it has come as an extra large blow with the timing coinciding with the start of the main season for many.

However, despite the closures those involved in the industry are working hard behind the scenes to ensure things can bounce back once the restrictions are lifted.

Marc Crothall, chief executive of the Scottish Tourism Alliance, said the situation is “taking its toll financially and causing people concern with tourism being very seasonal in parts”.

He explained: “There is a lot of support that has been made available by the UK and Scottish Governments but it hasn’t covered everybody – the larger properties, pubs, restaurants and hotels with a rateable value of greater than £50,000 are missing out. Free cash is essentially what’s needed to cover the cost of keeping a business alive.

“Falkirk is a great hotspot and it attracts a lot of people. Tourism is a key part of any economy and its added benefit to the local community is not just it brings a vibrant environment, but it brings a lot of jobs.

“When the industry does reopen we’ll have to do it in a controlled way to allow every business when they reopen to make enough money and be sustainable. But we have to wait for government and medical guidance before we can do that.

“I do think we’ll lose more than one or two and many of them are going to be working in a new normal. There will be expectations of how a business needs to operate, not just to give consumer and visitor confidence but also the workforce as well.

“There are lots of different things that are under discussion as part of the recovery planning. One thing we’ll take heart from is that 70 per cent of visitors in Scotland are from the domestic market.”

“The international visitors are important too, but it may take longer for the airlines to get going again.

“We’ll be trying to drive as much domestic tourism and the staycation is likely to be a strong selling point.

“Nine out of ten Scots haven’t explored what’s on their own doorstep, so we’d encourage them to do that when things reopen.”

Falkirk Council is also busy working behind the scenes to help local businesses.

A spokesman said: “Falkirk Council has been working closely with the team in Visit Scotland to ensure that the Falkirk area is included within any recovery planning for the Scottish tourism sector and we are closely monitoring the issues arising from the Covid-19 situation for local businesses.

“The council’s Business Gateway advisors are providing advice and support to many tourism related business in the Falkirk area and we will be looking to arrange a virtual meeting with businesses in this sector in the very near future.

“To date, over 1300 Scottish Government business support grant applications have been awarded by Falkirk Council, worth almost £15.4m, many of which have been tourism or hospitality related business.”

The Visit Falkirk team have also, during lockdown, issued a short film highlighting the area’s attractions.

Councillor Robert Spears added: “Tourism has seen significant growth in the Falkirk area in recent years and we are keen to attract visitors back to the area once restrictions are lifted.”

Neil Christison, regional director at VisitScotland, said the industry has been “completely devastated” by the pandemic.

He said: “We know that this is an extremely difficult time for businesses and individuals across Scotland – impacting on jobs, people’s wellbeing and future investment – and we continue to offer advice and support to those affected.

“Since March we have been proactively tracking the effects of coronavirus on the industry to ensure we are in the best position to work with the Scottish Government and other key partners to manage what’s happening as effectively as possible.

Results from our second survey, which ran from March 20-30, show that more than half (58 per cent) of respondents that have employees stated they have had to reduce staff numbers with a likelihood of further losses in the future.

“The majority of total respondents to our survey claim to have lost up to £50,000, with some claiming losses of substantially more than this. Our respondents also believe that the average length for survival of business without support is three months.

“These results show the severe financial impact on Scottish tourism across the regions and business sectors and we have used this information to inform government and other industry bodies.“We do not know how long this unprecedented situation will last and it is too early to say what the sector will look like in the coming months, but we have a resilient industry in Scotland, sustaining many communities, and we believe tourism will be a key part of the economic recovery.

“We’re already building a plan to stimulate that recovery which will be implemented as soon as things improve, and visitors can start travelling again.

“We continue to work closely with Falkirk Council and Visit Falkirk as they help tourism businesses get the support they need. I’ve been hugely encouraged by the positive reaction to their recent Falkirk Memories video calling on people to share their recollections of the area on social media, keeping Falkirk at the forefront of people’s minds.”

The Federation of Small Businesses agree it will be “no easy task” to make up for the loss of a large part of the 2020 tourist season and to adapt to the ‘new normal’.

Catriona Cripps, FSB West of Scotland area leader, said: “March to September is the traditional Scottish tourist season and during the recent good weather, many of our local tourist attractions, together with the wider hospitality industry of accommodation providers, bars and restaurants, would normally have been bustling.

“Sadly, the pandemic and the lockdown measures put in place have altered this picture beyond recognition for tourism businesses.

“As lockdown and social distancing continues, the damage to these businesses grows, despite the government support measures on offer.

“New opportunities will emerge but creative solutions need to be considered to compensate for a damaged 2020 season if tourism businesses are to prosper as we eventually emerge from this pandemic.”