East Lothian's Private House Stays creating jobs amid staycation boom

The entrepreneur behind North Berwick-based accommodation firm Private House Stays, which encompasses privately-owned inns, B&Bs and small hotels throughout Scotland, is expanding the business, creating more jobs.

Cassie Bouverie is a veteran of the Scottish tourism sector. Picture: contributed.

Cassie Bouverie, who has worked in the Scottish tourism industry for more than 20 years, is also this year celebrating the business’ tenth anniversary. She says she is dedicated to helping the accommodation firms she works with amid the post-Covid-19 re-emergence.

Additionally, tourism research consultancy 56 Degree Insight has undertaken research amongst Scots and their views about holidays during the pandemic. Managing partner Jim Eccleston highlighted the greater popularity of domestic breaks and holidays rather than trips south of the Border or overseas.

He added: “Moreover, our survey illustrates that the more remote and rural the destination, the more appealing that will be – especially where a proactive approach is taken to ensuring the safety of visitors through clearly signposted hygiene and social distancing measures – key areas where Private House Stays is focusing its efforts.”

Jim Clarkson, regional leadership director (west) from VisitScotland, which has supported the work of Private House Stays since 2012, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the tourism and events industry.

"We are doing all we can to support tourism-related businesses of all sizes to respond to the current situation but as we move [out of] lockdown, visitors are likely to be attracted to remote and small accommodation providers who are able to comply with appropriate social distancing measures.”

SCOTSMAN.COM

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