27 August 2020
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As visitor attractions and green spaces reopen to visitors following the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, we take a look at what the country has to offer.
The country you love needs you.
This is the stirring message of VisitScotland's post-pandemic marketing campaign, hoping to tempt Scots (and those from further afield when it's safe to do so) to take a look at what Scotland has to offer.
Here at History Scotland we've been following the progress of what attractions are reopening when (read this here) and it's been heartening to hear how our well-loved places to visit have responded to the challenges of welcoming visitors back.
There's no question that the tourist industry has been hard hit in Scotland and further afield - but there is a real determination to reopen safely, welcome visitors, explain the changes that have been made for their safety, and allow people to enjoy all the country has to offer.
A warm welcome
Visit Scotland spoke to History Scotland about what the coming weeks and months hold for the country's travel industry and its visitors: 'As the Scottish tourism industry begins to warmly welcome visitors once more, early research shows people are keen to plan a staycation within Scotland this year, in line with a growing trend for domestic tourism in recent years.
'Our marketing efforts are initially focusing on encouraging people to get out and enjoy what’s on their doorstep in a responsible way. Our new campaign celebrates the huge variety of activities Scotland has to offer, highlighting a regional spread across the whole country in both urban and rural areas.
'Now is the time to reset tourism in a responsible way and people across Scotland have a crucial part to play in getting tourism back on track, by taking simple actions such as dining out, visiting an attraction, shopping locally, taking a day trip or booking a staycation.
'However, it is important for us to understand that tourism might not look the same as previously, and we ask people to follow the recommended guidelines – book in advance, respect local communities, and shop locally. As restrictions lift, we would also urge visitors to ‘know before they go’ by checking online whether attractions and businesses are open and welcoming visitors. For more information, go to the VisitScotland website.
