Scotland sends the world a virtual hug

April 3, 2020 | Scotland

VisitScotland has today sent a virtual hug to fans of Scotland, near and far, with a heart-warming film asking them to dream about visiting now, but to travel later.

Created by the national tourism organisation’s marketing team, working from their own homes, the short film has been created to remind visitors what Scotland has to offer, trigger memories of previous visits and most importantly, remember that, while a visit isn’t possible right now, it will still be here in the future.

The tourism industry is facing its toughest-ever challenge at the moment and VisitScotland wanted to send a message of hope for a future when the world is able to travel again.

Built around the idea that absence makes the heart grow fonder, the film features stunning visuals from Skara Brae in Orkney to Loch Ken in Dumfries and Galloway, from Airlie Monument in Angus to Dunnottar Castle in Aberdeenshire amongst many others. The film is available now on VisitScotland’s You Tube channel, launching ahead of the Easter holidays, a traditionally busy time for the tourism industry and will have subtitles in German, Spanish, French, Dutch, Italian and Mandarin.

Vicki Miller, Director of Marketing at VisitScotland said: ‘While many countries are in lockdown with travel restrictions in place, we wanted to send a message of support and hope to our friends around the world. We want to assure them that, whilst they can’t visit just now, we will still be here with a warm welcome for them when the time is right.

‘By launching this video, we are encouraging fans of Scotland to share their love for the country by posting memories of their trips here in the past and help them and others dream about their next holiday to Scotland.

‘We also recognise the tourism industry has been hit extremely hard by the Covid-19 situation and whilst we are already working with them to look at a recovery plan once the timing is appropriate, we’re hopeful the strong emotion people have for Scotland across the globe will help a little in this very difficult time.’