A LEADING tourism figure in Helensburgh and Lomond says the area’s visitor economy has faced its “toughest summer ever”, but it will be able to bounce back.

VisitScotland regional director David Adams McGilp says Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Helensburgh and Dunbartonshire face new challenges brought about by coronavirus due to the changing pattern of tourist behaviour.

However, Mr McGilp is confident that local attractions still have plenty to offer day trippers and holiday makers outside of the peak months which were so badly disrupted by lockdown.

He said: “This has undoubtedly been the toughest summer we have ever experienced.

“Covid-19 has had a devastating impact on the tourism and events industry.

READ MORE: Village venues announce temporary closures following local Covid-19 cases

“Businesses and operators are dealing with the economic fallout of shutting down one of our region’s most important industries and employers, worth nearly half a billion pounds of revenue annually. They are also investing in safety and hygiene measures and adapting to a shift in consumer behaviour.

“VisitScotland staff have been supporting businesses across Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Helensburgh and Dunbartonshire to help them cope with these new challenges during an immensely stressful time.

“We are seeing a rise in new domestic tourists enjoying extended Scottish holidays, perhaps for the first time.”

Helensburgh’s Hill House re-opened to visitors on August 13 while the area’s other National Trust for Scotland site, Geilston Garden in Cardross, has been welcoming guests since the start of July after more than three months of enforced closure.

READ MORE: Loch Lomond tourism recovering, but 'major challenges' lie ahead

Mr McGilp added: “We have been working together to help guide the tourism and events industry through the strategic and operational changes in the immediate and longer-term future.

“Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Helensburgh and Dunbartonshire has been benefitting from the changing consumer demand for open spaces and outdoor activity and experiences.

“With unprecedented change to our way of life comes some great innovation. The surge in demand for self-catering is leading to businesses responding.

“This has been a very different summer season for us all, but our wide-open landscapes and coastline will continue to draw in visitors through autumn and winter if we can keep rising to the challenges we face.”

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