EventScotland: "We are here to help and support you and your event."

Scotland’s events industry is facing its ‘biggest ever challenge’ as it responds to the coronavirus, according to the national events agency.

EventScotland has launched a nationwide survey to gain insight into challenges facing the industry due to Covid-19.

Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events, said: “Our industry is facing its biggest ever challenge and we share your concerns for the immediate and longer term. We’re here to support during this challenging time and to help in this rapidly evolving environment, including providing industry data and feedback, advice and support.

“A wider tourism pilot survey was conducted from the 9 – 16 March to establish the effects of Coronavirus on the industry. This research is allowing us to see not only the overall impact on Scottish tourism but also, the impact it is having across different regions, visitor markets and business sectors so that we can consider how best we might adapt our activities. It has also allowed us to inform the Scottish Government and other industry bodies.

“Today, a further survey has been launched and will be open until 12 noon on 30 March 2020. We are keen to understand the impact Coronavirus is having across all sporting, cultural and business events and would encourage you to response to this survey.”

He added: “We are particularly keen to understand the challenges you are facing around insurance and would ask you to use the free text box at the end of the survey to provide us with details on whether or not you have insurance in place (event cancellation or business interruption insurance) and the extent to which your insurance will cover you in the current circumstance.

“The survey will be undertaken regularly to contribute to our understanding of the impact of this outbreak. Should you receive further requests to participate in forthcoming weeks we would appreciate your ongoing support. Your responses will remain anonymous.

“We realise these are unprecedented times and I want to reassure you we are here to help and support you and your event. If you have any concerns, please contact us at information@eventscotland.org.”