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Visit Scotland | Alba

Tourism experiences for all

Did you know that as many as one in three people in Scotland are unable to take a holiday due to economic, health or social barriers?  

It's our commitment to create an inclusive and welcoming destination for all. We believe that everyone should be able to enjoy all that Scotland has to offer. 

Social tourism provides the opportunity for those who are unable to take a break to enjoy tourism experiences.

The impact of these experiences can be life changing, with breaks being known to contribute to improved health and wellbeing. 

Business benefits

Social tourism helps to create a more inclusive society. It improves community wellbeing, and holds great potential for the tourism industry.

Social tourism can help tourism businesses to:

  • stimulate demand for off-peak domestic breaks and day trips
  • support with commitments to corporate social responsibility

  • increase staff morale by helping to make a difference

Activity for 2023-2024

It is estimated that an additional 392,000 people in Scotland became unpaid carers as a result of COVID-19, bringing the total to 1.1 million.

Caring for someone can be mentally and physically exhausting. This means that breaks from daily routines are vital for unpaid carers’ health and wellbeing.

It is often difficult for carers to take the time out to fully recharge. It's also hard for them to spend quality time on their own, with the person they care for or other family members and friends.

In 2022

41%

of carers didn't take a break

26%

of carers didn’t try to take a break because they felt it was too difficult

51%

of carers said that being able to take a break would help them feel less lonely

How to get involved

Get involved in social tourism and help make a difference to the lives of unpaid carers. Businesses can donate a free or discounted break for carers to enjoy through the respitality scheme.

This is a Scottish Government supported project. It's coordinated nationally by our charity partner, Shared Care Scotland. Approved respitality delivery partners deliver it locally.

The scheme lets carers take a break from caring without financial constraints or the stress of planning a break.

How can my business support social tourism initiatives?

Are you interested in being contacted by Shared Care Scotland? Please fill in the form.

We will pass on your details to Shared Care Scotland. They will then contact you to discuss your interest and gather the details of your generous donation.

You can discuss initiatives such as respitality, but also other short break programmes.

Do you have any questions about the form or need an alternative format? Send us an email at inclusivetourism@visitscotland.com.

Complete the interest form

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