Scottish tourism industry urged to plug into the EV market

17.03.2022 - 16:49 / dailyrecord.co.uk

SCOTLAND’S hospitality and leisure sectors are being told gearing up for electric car drivers could really boost their businesses.

Hoteliers, B&B owners, restaurateurs, self-catering establishments and visitor attractions across the country are being encouraged to fit new electric vehicle charging points to their premises as not only a way of helping fight climate change but as a positive move for commercial activity.

The call by Electric Vehicle Association Scotland – the voice of EV drivers north of the Border – comes as staycation holidays have become more popular than ever.

The organisation is also urging the Scottish government, local authorities and industry to capitalise on the surge in the popularity of electric vehicles.

And leading Scottish electromobility expert Dave Pickles agrees, highlighting how smaller businesses will be able to take advantage of grants and stressing that many will simply need to install domestic-style chargers rather than far more expensive rapid charge points.

There’s also the promise of further funding to put charge points in place from VisitScotland as part of the Destination Net Zero Programme.

EVA Scotland director Neil Swanson said: “With more and more holidaymakers coming to and remaining in Scotland every year, and with increasing numbers driving electric vehicles, this is an ideal opportunity for our highly respected hospitality and catering businesses to further increase their services to a rapidly growing sector of EV motorists and their families.

“In the not too distant future, having EV charge points at hotels and the like will be a huge draw for visitors. Restaurants, cafes and leisure facilities providing charging points would be an ideal way for guests to top up their