VisitScotland Partners with National Tourism Bodies Launch Industry Standard for UK Tourism
VisitScotland alongside the national tourism bodies of England, Northern Ireland and Wales have announced today (25 June) a new UK-wide industry standard and consumer mark to provide confidence for visitors, communities and tourism businesses alike, as the sector works towards reopening.
The ‘We’re Good To Go’ industry standard and supporting mark mean businesses across all sectors of the tourism industry in Scotland can demonstrate that they are adhering to the respective Government and public health guidance, and have carried out a COVID-19 risk assessment to check they have the required processes and protocols in place.
The free scheme complements the guidance already issued by the Scottish Government https://www.visitscotland.org/supporting-your-business/advice/coronavirus.
Scottish Government Tourism Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “Scotland’s tourism sector has suffered terribly from the impacts of coronavirus. The Scottish Government has been doing all it can to help the sector through these challenging times and we continue to support tourism businesses as they prepare to open their doors again.
“Good to Go is a really positive development, developed jointly by the four Visitor agencies across the UK, that will ensure the sector is as prepared as possible to welcome visitors again. I’m pleased to see the establishment of this UK wide self-certification scheme that will enable businesses to demonstrate that they are fully prepared to reopen, and give much needed confidence to visitors and communities that tourism can begin again.”
Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, said: “Together with the new national tourism and sector guidelines, the Good to Go Scheme will help businesses get ready for the indicative start dates in July. A nationwide scheme gives a consistent approach across all of the UK and will give visitors the reassurance they are looking for.”
To obtain the mark businesses must complete a self-assessment through an online platform, www.goodtogoscotland.com, including a checklist confirming they have put the necessary processes in place, before receiving certification and the ‘We’re Good To Go’ mark for display in their premises and online.
Businesses across the UK will self-assess according to their respective national guidance once published, including the physical distancing and cleanliness protocols that must be in place.
In Scotland, businesses will align with the Scottish Government’s COVID-19 Visitor Economy Guidelines. An ‘alert’ system ensures that businesses signed up to the standard are notified if there are changes to the official guidance. A call-handling service will provide support and advisors will also carry-out random business support calls to ensure businesses are understanding and adhering to the guidance.
The scheme has been developed in partnership with Tourism Northern Ireland, VisitEngland and VisitWales to ensure a common approach across the UK with input from more than 40 industry bodies including UK Hospitality, the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions, the Association of Scotland’s Self Caterers, Wild Scotland and Sail Scotland the British Holiday & Home Parks Association and the National Caravan Council.
The self-assessment process links to specific guidelines for sectors including accommodation, visitor attractions, restaurants and pubs, business conference and events venues and tour and coach operators with signposting to further industry and trade association guidance as required.
VisitScotland continues to update visitscotland.org with up to date national and sector guidelines.
Then its a FIVE Stage process:
1. Register your Business Details
2. Answer questions on your protocols to welcome guests (yes or No)
3. Confirm if you are a Member of an organisation*
4. Answer further questions on your procedures (Yes or No)
5. Submit your application and await an email of approval with a link to your certificate which you can download.