Fifers urged to welcome back tourists

MSP Willie Rennie and MP Wendy Chamberlain warned that figures released by Fife Council show that the north east Fife economy could be impacted by around £150 million by the loss of tourism on account of the Covid-19 crisis.

The figures released by the council estimate that the total overall tourism value to north east Fife and St Andrews is over £288 million – £180 million for St Andrews and £108 million for the rest of the area.

With lockdown restrictions easing and the rest of tourism opening in Scotland on the July 15, Mr Rennie and Ms Chamberlain are calling for visitors to support the local economy.

“A financial hit of £150 million would be extraordinary and we must do everything we can to prevent that,” Mr Rennie said. “It would hit jobs and livelihoods.

“These last few months have been exceptionally difficult for everyone, and I want to thank everyone for their efforts fighting the virus. Now with restrictions eased and with these stark figures, we must welcome visitors from across Scotland in order to support our local economy.”

Ms Chamberlain added: “Tourism and seasonal work is clearly a significant part of our local economy, but these figures and estimations lay bare how hard we must work to support the local economy.

“We are lucky to live in one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland and the UK, and many people want to visit our home here. We needed to make the tough decision to ask everyone to stay away and stay at home during the crisis, but now we must welcome them to support our local economy again.”