Meeting

Cairngorms Tourism Partnership

29th June, 2020

Cairngorms Tourism Emergency Response Group - Via Video-Conference

Cairngorms Tourism Emergency Response Group
29th June 2020, 11am.

 

Present: Mark, Alistair, Rhona, Geva, Heather, Grant, Murray, Pete, Colin

Apologies: Chris T, Chris F, Laurie, Janet

1.Welcome and introductions

2.RESPOND

Brief updates on new key issues from DMOs, VisitScotland and Business Support agencies

In advance of the closure of grant schemes on the 10^th July, there will be a final burst of promotion to encourage businesses to apply.

3.RESET

Overview of consumer insights and other research

Latest research is available at VS marketing intelligence 24/06 & VisitBritain tracker

 

Communications plan for 2019/20 tourism data

There was a brief discussion on the tourism data communications plan.  It was agreed that, given the revised opening date of 3^rd July, the press release from CNPA/CBP should go out around the weekend.  Hopefully the final report would be available on CNPA website at that point, but the infographic and dashboards on the website would have to follow at a later date.  It should also be possible to include the annual Business Barometer report.

 

HIE are working on an economic paper on Covid impact, it will provide a regional picture but will also do more granular analysis.

 

Cambridge University.

Cambridge University did not get the funding to progress the ESRC project that we had been asked to get involved in. We now have the interim report for the Fidelio Project (looking at social impacts of protected areas) but have asked the researchers not to undertake further work in 2020 and to approach us again in 2021.

4.RESTART

Visitor Management Issues

– Initial weekend feedback

Seasonal rangers have been out over the weekend, working in pairs and submitting daily reports and photos.  As in previous weekends, there were issues with littering and toileting, and clearly people travelling more than 5 miles for recreation.

 

–  Provision of visitor facilities

Public toilets have re-opened in Carrbridge, Nethy Bridge and Aviemore.  CNPA have requested information from other partners about toilets and car parks by Wednesday, to ensure that accurate data is on the website by Friday. CNPA are looking at ways to get images and messaging out ASAP when car parks are full.  The funding, supplier & locations for road signs on A93 are agreed, but need to agree wording for the signs.

 

– Camping & campervans

There are no details yet on the extent to which camping is permitted from Friday, but Grant has asked for clarification ASAP.  There is concern that if campsites are not permitted to re-open, there will still be an influx of wild campers and campervans as ‘self-contained’ accommodation.  There remains particular concern about the closure of the campsite at Glenmore.

 

Communications Framework phase 2/3 messages

The CBP welcome back video went live on social media on Sunday evening and has been well-received, with 9k views so far.  VisitScotland will also share it on Monday morning.  CBP will that up this week with calls to action around the communications framework, including a strong message asking visitors to plan and book in advance.  The status website will be up by Thursday and will include details of campsite provision, as well as attractions, activities, F&B businesses etc.

 

Mark has been made aware of a letter from Nethy Bridge community council to self-catering visitors.  He will discuss with businesses about the possibility of incorporating messages from the communications framework.  Grant will send the final #CairngormsTogether document, along with the welcome back video, to all community council chairs as a follow-up to their meeting.

 

CNPA have commissioned Kirk Watson to deliver a responsible access video.  There were concerns that the video would be too late with the revised re-opening timescale.  It should be delivered ASAP, and quick ranger videos should also be ready by Friday.

5.RECOVER

CNPA Green Recovery Plan

CNPA are looking for recovery fund projects.  There is also additional funding for the NMU route at Glenmore.

6.Any Other Updates

Grant to set-up a meeting for Mark and Grant with Mairi Gougeon for sometime in August.

 

Murray gave details of a proposed Internet of Things project in Cairngorms & Glenmore about tracking digital data.  Discussions are taking place with partners now, but the project would be fully funded and could happen fairly quickly.

 

Cairngorms Mountain are planning to open the café, shop and toilets in day lodge from July 15^th, but will not initially offer tubing. The Highland Wildlife Park opens today for local visitors.

7.Date of next meeting

Next Monday 6^th July at 11am.