Skye is Scotland’s second most popular destination. The data shows that visitor numbers continue to grow each year and now exceed pre-covid levels. It is alarming that a destination like Skye faces the real possibility of not having a body...
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Mini Bite – from Alistair Danter –28th March 2022
In Alistair's Mini Bite below you'll find information on Alistair Danter's work as Project Manager for SkyeConnect.
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The dry weather and sunshine has been welcome in the last week as businesses continue their build up towards Easter. The failure to secure a freeze on VAT for the hospitality sector in the Chancellors’ spring statement is a massive disappointment for those who worked hard to build the case. SkyeConnect, along with many other organisations, view this as a missed opportunity to sustain the recovery of our economy particularly given the areas dependence on the tourism and hospitality sector. Meanwhile, life at SkyeConnect is as hectic as ever….
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Skye: The Island of Adventure and Discovery
Whether you’re looking to test yourself on a snowy expedition, get the adrenaline flowing on a freezing coasteering adventure, or looking to relax with local food, whisky and log fire… Skye has you covered…
New Additions to SkyeConnect Website
We have two new pages on our websites related to Voluntourism https://www.myskyetime.com/volunteer/ and contacts for Trade enquiries https://skye-connect.com/members/ . If you are paid up member and have opportunities for voluntourism please make contact and we will ensure that the details of your offer are visible. We constantly receive enquiries from trade organisations looking for information on what is available on Skye, our priority is always to point them to members.
Integrated Transport Update
A series of consultative workshops on options for the development of an integrated transport system that reduces dependency on private vehicles for visitors and residents alike have been taking place in recent weeks. A study has been funded by Hi Trans and Highland Council and will report next month. ARUP https://bit.ly/3JRO6TB the organisation carrying out the work have also been involved in a specific study looking at active travel options for Portree as part of the work being carried out by Portree and Braes Community Trust.
Skye Kayak Centre Pre-Season Familiarisation
Local business member, Skye Kayak Centre is offering some preseason familiarisation slots to local businesses. 3 time slots are available on Saturday the 9th of April with 8 spaces available on each session. All bookings should be emailed directly to Mandy: highlandexperiences@gmail.com , https://highlandexperiences.com
The ASSC Spring 2022 Barometer Survey is Now Live
The survey is relevant to all short-term lets: Self-Caterers / B&Bs / Guest houses / Glamping / Shepherds Huts. The survey provides vital information to enable the ASSC to develop it’s advocacy platforms. The survey can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ASSC2022Barometer
Funding Support – Scotspirit
Activity businesses and attractions are still eligible to access funding support to enable them to welcome families on low incomes through the Scotspirit breaks programme. Details can be found at https://bit.ly/3JPgc1J
Inclusion Scotland – Free Training Workshops
Inclusion Scotland, a national Disabled People’s Organisation, is offering free training workshops to all who work in the Tourism and Hospitality Sector in Scotland. 154 people have taken part so far and there are places still available for April. The courses are fully funded through the Tourism Recovery Fund and supported by Skills Development Scotland. There are 10 training slots (made up of 2 sessions) running until 21st April 2022. Step 1 Book your training Step 2: Download and complete the training application form Get the application form here completed application form should be returned to training@inclusionscotland.org
Scottish Tourism Thistle Awards
The Scottish Tourism Thistle Awards are back and we would encourage all businesses to visit the promotional site, consider the criteria for selection and submit and entry. We have some great operators in the area and participation with or without success is a great business experience. If you are successful in the regional awards, you will be invited to the National Finals in Edinbrgh – go on, give it a shot! https://visitscotland.eventsair.com/thistleawards2022
Brexit Survey
How do you feel about Brexit? An opportunity exist to reflect business experience since Scotland and the UK left the EU via a survey being carried out by the Independent Commission on UK-EU Relations on the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) – https://www.ukeucommission.org is a think tank, rather than a body affiliated with SG, UKG or the EU. It is often difficult to separate out impacts of leaving the EU, Covid and the war in Ukraine. There are some clear indications in the business sector on the west coast of Scotland that there have been a number of significant impacts on the local economy arising as a result of the UK leaving the EU. Businesses from all sectors are invited to complete a short survey that can be found here https://tally.so/r/wMVypn
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