To think the Scottish tourism industry is going to be hugely affected by the referendum, whatever the outcome

[Bearbehind]

Just been reading some of the indyref threads and it made me think about the affect on Scottish tourism, mainly from English tourists,

I know it's only one factor in the grand scheme of things but it seems damned to me whatever the result.

There is such an anti English sentiment at the moment I don't think many English people will be rushing up there for a holiday will they?

You'd be able to tell an English reg plate in Aberdeen quite easily - it would be the only one that isn't a private plate.

My car has an English plate, but has always been in NE Scotland - I guess it depends where the dealership has registered the vehicle.

Equally, when the dust settles Scotland may see that "nastiness" in the campaign has been reported in other countries, including the US, and brand Scotland has taken a bit of a battering which may actually deter tourism not only from rUK.
I think most Americans already think a vague anti-English undercurrent is a defining characteristic of Scotland anyway. And most are probably a bit amused by it.

The English always seem a bit surprised to discover that everybody doesn't love them. Americans are the same way - but would knowing that there's a fairly strong anti-American minority opinion in Canada keep an English person from going there for a visit?

Tourism from England might go down for a while, but there will be tourists from other places going who otherwise might not.

I have an English accent, live in Scotland and will be voting yes. I have experienced nothing but kindness & respect from everyone here. In fact, I have had a lot of locals asking me for facts/figures and want to discuss the indyref with me :)

Ninja - the thing is the reporting hasn't been about anti-Englishness per se so that point is moot.

Time and CNN have both reported on the "nasty" campaign and "dark side" of Scotland. Those associations won't be helpful for tourism.

English friend had to move to scotland for two years due to hubbys job. Her 6 year old boy was picked on at school and bulled for being english. He had a terrible time to such a point he refused to ho to school. A 6 year old! Personally ive always wanted to visit loch ness etc but no way would go to scotland at moment. The way things look even if there is a no vote its going to be nasty. Sadly the reputation of scotland has been tarnished by the reporting in the media. There are people frightened to saying they voting no. Frightened! I wouldn't b e surprised if scotland did vote yes..

Also, I am not English and am under no illusions about anti-English sentiment in many parts of the UK and around the world.

I'll still want to go back to places like Mull for the wildlife. Whatever the outcome, I don't see why people who've lived their lives thinking of the whole of the British Isles (including non-uk islands) as their country should change that view.

If there really is a lot of 'English out' sentiment it could impact the tourist industry badly though, because (sweeping generalisation I heard from someone who was in a position to know) 'Celts don't do tourism' - and it did seem like the tourist-related businesses (be it hotels or wildlife tours) were disproportionately run by incomer English living their dream. Hopefully these people, who love Scotland and have chosen to be there and contribute to the economy won't be discriminated against in any way.

I'm English born and also have no illusions about anti-English sentiment here and elsewhere.

Scotland's tourism will be thriving even more after this referendum regardless of the outcome. I'll still struggle to get up the High Street because it will be crammed with lots of tourists in the summer.

A minority of scots hate the English its more than likely westminster they hate its probably the same amount of people who hate the scots tbh. We wont be setting up baracades or anything I am not sure what people are scared of tourisim wont be affected either way imo if there is a yes vote it will just be going abroad thats all

scotland's tourism will be thriving even more after this referendum regardless of the outcome.

Genuine question irnbru what is the rationale behind that statement? How will the referendum cause tourism to 'thrive even more'?

I have been listening and watching reports from the Western Isles and Orkney and wanting to book a trip so all the attention can have good effects that is for sure. I have had vanishingly little trouble visiting around Scotland and I expect it to remain so tbh.

It will still be a battle trying to enjoy my day out in the summer because the streets will be crammed to the max with tourists from all over the world I'm not worried, it will still thrive.

I'm sorry to those on the thread who have experienced nastiness whilst in SCotland but it's not representative of all Scottish people. That's just a minority of fannies who give the rest of us a bad name.

"genuine question irnbru what is the rationale behind that statement? How will the referendum cause tourism to 'thrive even more'?"

Because of all the media attention, it's put Scotland out there again more than before regardless of the result.

The point is that Scotland's going to do well regardless. Tourism will still be thriving.

But don't you see any potential for tourism to drop because of the bad experiences some people have experienced and countless others have read about irnbru?

That's a bit head in the sand isn't it?

I could understand if you felt that there had been a particularly positive factor in the campaigns that you felt would increase tourism but to just assume it'll be fine is a bit

Genuinely don't get the English government begging the scots to stay.

If they want to go and vote to go good on them.

England will be fine.

Never been to Scotland as I hate the cold plus it's bloody miles away and if we holiday at home we go to Wales.

Suppose you lot will be off next.

My welsh dm is convinced that's on the cards soon. She's got her flag ready.

YANBU. There has been terrible anti-English racism/xenophobia in Scotland for many, many years but, up to now, it hasn't been reciprocated. That has now changed. A drop in 'rest of the UK' visitors should be the least of everyone's worries.

Tourism could also be impacted if the economy on both sides of the border is negatively impacted by a Yes vote - then people simply won't have the same disposable income for holidays/short breaks.

This would impact tourism in rUK as well, of course. There would be no winners.

Well I'm still going to England for my holidays on October even though I have recently been referred to as a "porridge wog" and my sister in law spat on for being Scottish because I'm not going to judge a whole country on the vile actions of a minority.

Why shouldn't she think it will be fine the streets of tourist towns are still heaving with people they are still coming on holiday just because a few people are a bit scared doesn't mean it wont be fine many nationalities holiday in Scotland why wouldn't they come after the referendum.

I'm English but my dad and his side of the family are scottish, my dad has lived in England for many years now, but I still have family in Scotland.

Whatever the outcome of the vote, I have to be honest and say I don't think I will feel welcome and it has rightly or wrongly put me off visiting.

My other half was looking at holidays for next year, he had been looking at Scotland, and I said no thanks. I would rather stick to England or Wales.

I know not all scots are the same, and likewise there is anti-English sentiment in wales.

I just wouldn't feel welcome.

I like to holiday in my own country - an independent Scotland would no longer be a part of that country. I would live in a different country to my mother and sister.

Would I need to pay out for a passport? How about for my dog? can pets travel freely across the border -and back again? What will happen with currency? will I need to change money at the bank before I go?

Holidays will not be booked until we have UNEQUIVOCAL answers to these questions, instead of the "fluffy" nothing will change, or everything will change depending which side of the fence you sit...

I'm not going to comment on any real anti-English sentiment because I'm now more concerned about the divisions within Scotland itself. I suspect that in many cases the use of the word 'English' in a critical way is just a convenient label. If Scotland decided to secede and the use of 'English' as a critical adjective became less available then other words would follow because the divisions which have been allowed to develop in this process will not go away.

That is why I believe that while there may eventually be a case for some degree of separation it is not appropriate now, in this way and with the SNP aiming to be in charge. This is too important to allow people's lives to be played with to score political points and in a divided nation.

I holiday in England most years I hope we would be welcome d I know emotions are running high at the moment but I do think it will calm down.

I agree that whatever the outcome English tourists will stay away in their droves certainly as far as next summer is concerned.