THE CORONAVIRUS pandemic is the biggest threat facing the tourism and events industry across Ayrshire & Arran with a significant chunk of £170m set to be lost.

VisitScotland say the industry faces a tough road ahead and will need support for some time to come.

Regional Director Gordon Smith has spoken of the harsh financial impact of the COVID-19, with lockdown spelling an end of many events, and opportunities for visitors.

He is also chair of The Scottish Emergency Tourism Response Group, which has been supporting attraction, operators and accommodation to respond to the crisis.

He said: “Despite moving into phase 1 of restrictions being gradually lifted, many businesses I work with in Ayrshire & Arran are still very much responding to the harsh financial impact of COVID-19.”

“We know the tragic human loss caused by coronavirus. And from an economic perspective the damage couldn’t be any clear. With visitors spending as much as £170 million in a year in the region, we stand to lose a significant chunk of that inward revenue this year.”

VisitScotland teams have been working across the region to speak with business and organisations who have been affected.

Gordon said: “Businesses without revenue through the winter and any kind of proper summer season may not survive. Those that do will be combating increased borrowing and debt, a decrease of staffing levels and the inability to invest in their product.”

“Even now that some lockdown measures have been lifted, organisations will be operating with a raft of new social distancing measures affecting capacity, revenue and the resulting lower consumer confidence.”

Businesses have been urged to seek help via the coronavirus pages on visitscotland.org.uk

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