Outer Hebrides Tourism wants support for tourists and tourism businesses
Outer Hebrides Tourism says it will continue to call for all parties involved in the dispute between RMT and CalMac to sit down and resolve the situation which has already caused massive disruption to visitors to the Outer Hebrides and continues to cause financial and reputation damage to this fragile tourism economy. It says Scottish government intervention is welcome but must be sustained to resolve the dispute as a matter of urgency.
Whilst the cancellation of this week’s strike is a temporary respite, it does not mean a return to bu
siness as usual, says the tourism body. Hundreds of people have already been forced to change or cancel their holiday plans, resulting in cancelled accommodation, restaurant bookings, excursions and losses for shops.
Ian Fordham, the chairman of OHT, said: “I said before, and stand by the view, that it is totally unacceptable that hundreds of local tourism businesses, and thousands of our visitors are suffering as a result of this dispute. The uncertainty has had a serious negative impact on tourism businesses across the Outer Hebrides which will be unable to recoup financial losses. We are seeing none of the promised action from any agency to try and help mitigate that impact.”
OHT has pledged to continue seeking a response from the Scottish Government and from CalMac to its call for compensation for local businesses which are losing income due to both the previous strike and the continued uncertainty during the Hebrides’ peak visitor season. It also says proper compensation should be be paid to visitors who are having to cancel or change their travel plans.
OHT is proud that the experience of a holiday in the Outer Hebrides is renowned around the world. The one thing assured right now is that however visitors travel to this glorious destination, whatever time of year, they will receive the warmest of welcome, spectacular scenery and a holiday that will last long in the memory.
