Argyll tourism groups to share funding

Tourism groups in Argyll and Bute impacted by the coronavirus pandemic are to receive a share of a £500,000 VisitScotland support package.

Eighty one membership organisations across Scotland, representing more than 10,000 tourism businesses, have successfully applied to the Tourism Destination and Sector Support Fund, which was launched last month. They include Argyll and the Isles Tourism Co-operative, Argyll Food Producers and Visit Bute.

Ninety eight applications were received requesting a total of £1.6 million.

Riddell Graham, director of industry and destination development at VisitScotland, said: ‘This funding package for destination organisations and sector groups will hopefully go some way towards supporting them through this challenging time. We are pleased to have been able to increase our original funding pot to enable us to provide some funding for all eligible applicants. Even then, it is unsurprising the number of applications has been in excess of what is available and difficult decisions have had to be taken. Recovery will require our collective efforts and this fund represents a great opportunity to enable a collaborative approach to meet the massive challenges set by the pandemic and ensure the best possible outcomes for the entire visitor economy.’

Fergus Ewing, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, added: ‘This funding package will be a welcome boost for destination management organisations and sector groups. It will enable them to keep working with VisitScotland, tourism businesses and communities to build a strong and safe recovery, welcoming visitors again in phase three of the route map.’