Edinburgh's council and tourism leaders meet to plot city's recovery from coronavirus lockdown

Talks start on recovery plan

LEADERS of Edinburgh’s tourism and hospitality industries have begun talks with council chiefs on how the Capital can recover once the coronavirus lockdown ends.

Council leader Adam McVey chaired a round-table discussion on the impact of the crisis on the city’s economy and how to put together a recovery plan.

The new tourism oversight group included Edinburgh Tourism Action Group ETAG), Edinburgh Airport, Festivals Edinburgh, Visit Scotland, Essential Edinburgh and the Chamber of Commerce.

Council leader Adam McVey chaired a round-table discussion on the impact of the crisis on the city’s economy and how to put together a recovery plan.

Councillor McVey said the group had reaffirmed the aims of Edinburgh’s new Tourism Strategy - a 10 year plan which focuses on managing tourism and balancing the needs of local residents, businesses and visitors.

He said: “There is a real willingness from all sides and sectors to use our city’s strengths as a platform for working together over the coming months so that we can recover from this global emergency.

“It is so important to the future of our Capital that we remain committed to sustainable and responsible tourism when businesses open again and keep our focus on the priorities we agreed last November - to put our people, place and environment at the heart of our plans.”

Donald Emslie, chair of ETAG, said his organisation would be engaging with the tourism industry and others to ensure all sectors worked together as Team Edinburgh.

He said: “This meeting was extremely welcome, as it demonstrated the council’s recognition of the huge challenges that the tourism sector is facing and the need for a positive and proactive response.”

The council said group’s work will feed into a city-wide recovery plan, which will also involve senior councillors and council officers seeking feedback from industry leaders across various sectors.