The Western Isles tourism industry warns the ongoing uncertainty over ferry travel has cased “massive disruption” for summer visitors.
Outer Hebrides Tourism (OHT) -
Compensation should be paid to hundreds of businesses badly hit as the Cal Mac ferry industrial action targets the busiest time of year, forcing thousands of tourists to have cancelled holidays or cut short their trip due to threats of strikes, says the body.
However, its demands have fallen on deaf ears at both the Scottish Government and Cal Mac.
Donald Macarthur, transport spokesman at OHT said: “We have had no response and have seen none of the promised action from any agency to engage with our businesses to mitigate the damage.”
Ian Fordham, chairman of OHT, said: “It is totally unacceptable that local tourism businesses, island communities and our tourists are suffering because of this continued dispute.
“It is having a serious negative impact on tourism businesses across the Outer Hebrides, the cost of which we will be unable to recoup.
“Patience is running out as thousands of our local business owners are losing a significant portion of their annual income in this short visitor season.”
Mr Fodham added: “Yet again, local businesses bear the brunt as visitors are forced to change or cancel their holiday plans, cancel accommodation, restaurant bookings and excursions.”
Tourism industry warns of "financial damage" from ferry dispute
22 July 2015