Responding to the announcement today by Cabinet Secretary Kate Forbes MSP of two new funding packages to support the tourism and hospitality sector in Scotland, Dr Liz Cameron, chief executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“This will be very much welcomed by eligible hotels and self-caterers across Scotland who have faced struggles to access support funds previously. This new support will help to secure some jobs in the sector that have come under serious threat of being lost, for the time being.
“However, while this support will be appreciated by these businesses, concerns remain that ongoing costs coupled with low demand continue to place tourism and hospitality jobs at severe risk. Getting those sectors who support our bars, cafes and restaurants back to work in the safe environments they have created is critical if we are to save jobs and livelihoods.
“Further support and reliefs will be required in the future in order to secure the long term viability of the sector. We will continue to make this case and work alongside both the Scottish and UK Governments.’’