Scottish tourism sets its sights on new ‘workcation' trend

Scottish tourism leaders are hoping to tap into a new “workcation” trend to help the industry recover from the impact of the pandemic.

VisitScotland is urging tourism businesses to capitalise on the number of people currently working from home by encouraging them to relocate for a working break away for their at-home office.

The Scottish Government agency is also suggesting people could extend breaks away by working in holiday accommodation.

Workcations are one of a number of growing trends which VisitScotland believe could transform the industry as it recovers from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

It is also encouraging people to embrace “slow travel” when they holiday in Scotland, instead of ticking off bucket-list sights, think about how to support local communities on their travels and take responsibility for protecting unspoiled landscapes and wilderness areas.

People planning to take campervan trips have been urged to book ahead into official campsites and consider delaying a trip until later in the year if they are full.

Vicki Miller, head of marketing at VisitScotland, said: “We’re focused on how we positioning Scotland as a responsible tourism destination, through things like slow travel, eco-holidays, wellbeing and wellness, and nature-based experiences. All of them really play to Scotland’s strengths.

“We want to show people the different experiences you can have in Scotland.

The Black Isle Yurts glamping site can be found on a farm near Fortrose and Rosemarkie in the Highlands.

“Workcations are a growing trend because many employers have had their employees working at home during the pandemic, but are maybe now looking at a blended model in future.

“If you can work from home you can work from anywhere now.

"You could heading off on a Thursday and Friday to work from somewhere completely different, with a different view, and maybe somewhere to sit outside to work. And when you finish work you’re already on holiday.

“It’s definitely a trend we’d encourage businesses to think about.”

Glamping Domes at Sauchope Links Park in Fife. Picture: Kenny Lam/VisitScotland

VisitScotland wants people to consider a slow travel break as a “more meaningful way” of holidaying in Scotland and “leave behind the likes, check lists and tick boxes."

Ms Miller said: "We have got some great touring routes across Scotland. It’s a great way to see the country, but we want people to take their time and have really memorable experiences in Scotland this year.

“The best way to do that is to slow down, take in the sights and enjoy experiences, spend time in local communities, buy local products and enjoy the local hospitality.

Ms Miller encouraged people looking to have a “back to nature” holiday to consider booking stays in cities if their initial choice of accommodation or location is unavailable, and also consider booking a holiday in Scotland into the autumn and winter.

She said: “A big part of what we will be doing over the next few months is looking at building and stimulating demand for autumn and winter breaks in Scotland.“It’s really important for the survival of the industry, which is obviously starting the season later this year, that we see demand throughout the rest of the year and not just the summer.

“We want people to book into official campsites and managed facilities if they have a campervan so they are not damaging the environment in any way. We want them to leave no trace of their visit. Booking ahead is going to be really important."

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