The stringent and robust measures, designed to ensure that Scotland’s £723million self-catering sector can re-open safety and securely, were given the Scottish Government’s support and published on the Scottish Government website on 18th June.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the ASSC has been working closely with the Scottish Government and this endorsement represents the latest benefit of the positive working relationship between the two organisations and other tourism stakeholders.
Self-caterers in Scotland were among the first sectors to voluntarily close their places of business in order to keep both guests and operators safe as coronavirus took hold.
The flexibility and dynamism of the sector now means that it can be among the first to get back to business.
Contrary to the misinformation spread by embittered critics of the industry, the nature of holiday lets means that the properties involved are better situated to be cleaned to the high standards needed for safe re-opening as the country prepares to exit lockdown.
By re-opening at the earliest safe and secure opportunity, the self-catering sector can resume its massive contribution to the Scottish economy and the nation’s vital and unique tourism offering.
The ASSC represents the traditional self-catering sector in Scotland and is also a source of information and advocacy for the thousands of operators within it.
ASSC Chief Executive, Fiona Campbell, said:
“I am delighted that the Scottish Government has recognised that our stringent and robust cleaning protocols are what is required for our industry to get back on its feet and has chosen to endorse them in such an enthusiastic manner.
“This pandemic has been like nothing the world of Scottish tourism has ever faced before and self-caterers have been amongst the hardest hit – knowing that we’ll soon be back to work, safely and securely, is exactly the lifeline that we need.
“I wish to thank the Scottish Government for their willingness to work with the industry to find a way through these awful times and into a brighter tomorrow.”
The guidance for tourism and hospitality has now been published by the Scottish Government:https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-tourism-and-hospitality-sector-guidance/pages/overview/
ASSC’s guidance is referenced on the ‘related guidance’ section of the page:https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-tourism-and-hospitality-sector-guidance/pages/related-guidance/