Cairngorms

Meeting

Cairngorms Tourism Partnership

3rd August, 2020

Cairngorms Tourism Emergency Response Group - Via Video-Conference

Cairngorms Tourism Emergency Response Group
3rd August 2020, 11am. 

 

Present: Janet, Pete, Mark, Grant, Caroline Warburton, Alistair, Laurie

Apologies: Heather, Murray, Chris F, Chris T, Rhona, Colin

1.Welcome and introductions

Janet welcomed Caroline who attended on behalf of Chris Tate form VisitScotland

2.Respond

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

CBP

  • Mark is trying to meet with John Swinney, MSP, through Scottish Chambers to discuss school trips which could be a significant challenge for residential and activity centres if they are unable to plan for spring.

Moray Speyside Tourism

  • Following CBP and going forward with test and protect platform which is hoped will be up and running by end or beginning of next week and will hopefully generate some positive PR.
  • Levy invoices are going out this week which is generating some interesting calls.
  • Generally businesses seem to be busy with the exception of hotels who are struggling.

VisitScotland

  • Numbers of registrations by businesses for the ‘We’re Good To Go’ initiative are increasing with most business in Highlands signed up.
  • Action – Caroline to forward figures by Local Authority on via email to members.
  • Businesses are being encouraged to update Scotland.com listings as from a marketing perspective this will drive people to VisitScotland.com, so it’s important that listings are up to date.  Comms are going out to remind businesses to do this.
  • The top three searches on VisitScotland are around unusual accommodation, caravan and camping then self-catering and generally with a short lead in time for date searches.  The family market is strong with multi-generational trips in next few weeks and into the autumn.

Business Support Agencies

  • A couple of funds have been announced in the last week, self-catering fund from VisitScotland opened today with criteria that applicants must not have received funding from other sources and is on a first come first served basis.  If all applicants receive the full award there will only be 100 awards made from the fund.
  • More details to follow at next meeting regards hotels funding.
  • Funds that have now closed are being tidied up.

3.Reset

Overview of consumer insights and other research

 

  • Post-Covid visitor survey analysis combines CBP, CNPA and 56 degrees data reinforces and supports most of the information that has been gathered in last few weeks, and is useful to have all the strands of information from partners in one place.

Pete confirmed information shows more visitors are coming by car with 6% in campervans who are using small sites in local community woodland, which is an issue we are aware of.

  • CNP ranger visitor survey questionnaire is not finalised but due to go live from 7th Aug and run for 10 days.  All Rangers that are on the ground will collect basic information from a 60 second check, which statistically may not get enough numbers but it will be an insight.

It was noted there should be a health warning as it will be location based reflecting hotspot data.

  • CBP occupancy survey is due to close tomorrow.  This is the second survey and initial stats show self-catering is full with hotels full for next two weeks.  Most are performing better than expected.  The next survey will highlight which attractions should be approached to stay open into Nov.

 

4.Restart

Visitor Management Issues – CNPA

– initial weekend feedback

  • Another busy weekend with tail backs at Loch Muick, Linn of Dee, Muir of Dinnett and Loch Morlich.  There was a crash at Glenmore, but it’s unclear if this was a result of parking issues.
  • Friday was a big day at Glenmore and Cairngorm with the road to Glenmore Lodge being used for parking which has not be seen before.  Previously it was felt car parking capacity at Glenmore was sufficient but going forward there is a significant issue.  It was noted provision needs to be made as all indications are this was expected, although it will settle down again, there is a big opportunity to educate campers and encourage visitors to become loyal and return.
  • Saturday and Sunday had the vast majority of visitors who were responsible but the challenge is numbers as people don’t tend to have a Plan B.
  • On Saturday Loch Pityoulish had 20 cars parked on the road and Rangers attended.
  • Rangers were dealing with a lot of camping on the beach but in general behaviour is better, with less fires.  There still seems to be a continued misunderstanding about lighting fires.  Overall still very busy from camping and campervan point of view.
  • FLS seasonal staff were also on the ground this weekend
  • Grant is meeting with Highland Council to discuss a Clearway and/or traffic management measures at Glenmore which may help make a difference and move things in the right direction.  This will only be put in place if enforcement can be ensured between the police and Highland Council.
  • In Aberdeenshire there are issues around enforcement so still a lot more work to be done.
  • It was noted Highland Council today passed a motion about longer term investment in Ranger Services and Visitor Facilities.
  • The Visitor Survey showed people want outdoor experiences not necessarily a visitor attraction.
  • It was noted partnerships would need to come together to ensure there is not a repeat in 2021.

 – camping & campervans

  • It was noted FLS have some sites providing overnight accommodation for campervans.  They also have a webpage showing what is open and their approach https://forestryandland.gov.scot/covid-19/openings-and-closures.
  • Grant stated Land Manager feedback shows there are a lot campervans across the National Park.  It was acknowledged a lot more work is needed to be done on a large level around Scotland, which had been picked up pre Covid19 by Scottish Government.
  • Caroline stated Air Sites will likely be looked at more seriously, but more infrastructure is needed.

– provision of visitor facilities

  • Public toilets now open at Laggan, CNPA website to be updated.  No update on Angus Glens. Action – Grant to chase.
  • CBP are getting good traffic through the website.  The Test & Protect app seems to be a positive visitor experience with over 8,500 check-ins on the app which is now starting to auto delete after the first 21days of operation.

 

–  Business re-opening situation and issues – DMOs

  • Most places are now open and reporting very good numbers against previous years.  Positive people are here and spending money but income is still restricted due to social distancing.
  • Laurie reported the same scenario across Moray with resistance in communities abating.  Work has been done to open toilets and an advance plan is in place with an application being submitted to Rural Infrastructure Round Three for campervan waste disposal etc.

– Communications Framework phase 3/4 messages – CNPA / CBP

  • CNPA are communicating to repeat audiences that know how they should behave.
  • Visit Scotland are to promote on national TV and radio. CNPA are happy to support this with comments and pictures.
  • It was noted the Barry videos received good viewing figures on social media but it was felt caution should be taken not to tell people what not to do and avoid stirring up negativity.

 

5.Recover

CNPA Green Recovery Plan

This has gone to Finance & Delivery Committee with final version going to Board 14th August, with a view to open the fund on Monday or Tuesday of the following week.  It is still to be confirmed if the fund will be available to individual business as its size does not lend itself to this.  There will be a very simple application process which will be open for a month and be promoted through CBP and other partner memberships as far and wide as possible.  All applications will be assessed on criteria, not first come first served with awards being made by the end of September.

 

6.Any Other Updates

Community Sessions

  • It was suggested the community sessions should be revisited, giving first refusal to people who previously attended but still kept open to newcomers.  It was agreed this would be a good chance for some positive follow up with communities and should be arranged for mid to end August.
  • Pete stated Royal Deeside Rangers can be stretched so engaging with communities as to where they are needed would be useful and that positive feedback on Seasonal Rangers has been good.
  • Any negative Ranger feedback should be fed back to Pete.
  • CNPA are looking to start putting stats on website to show Community Councils what has been happening and how we are trying to deal with situations.

7.Date of next meeting

Fortnightly meetings agreed –17th August

Relevant papers will be available here shortly before the meeting.