IT is part of the lifeblood of Scotland’s economy - a commercial juggernaut that is estimated to be worth around £10.5 billion a year.

But tourism has been paralysed by the coronavirus lockdown and there is no prospect of disruption ending any time soon.

Now, following concern in recent years over the impact of soaring visitor numbers, travel industry chiefs have pledged not to create an “anti-tourist vibe” as they seek to re-boot the sector once restrictions are eased.

National agency VisitScotland has also stressed that tourism will be part of the “solution rather than the problem” in efforts to help the wider economy recover.

Chief executive Malcolm Roughead said he and his staff would focus on “fragile communities” which rely on visitor spend, with lesser-known areas of the country being lined up for the first wave of promotional activity.

Writing on his blog, Mr Roughead said he hoped the tourism industry would be able to welcome back visitors in the autumn.

“Creating meaningful connections between tourists and hosts is one of the characteristics of responsible tourism,” he said.

“It is very much the case that tourism will be part of the solution rather than the problem for a sustainable and successful future.

“I really hope that it sparks discussions in local communities and with destination organisations about how to continue to run a successful tourism industry which allows locals and visitors to co-exist in harmony – as that big Scottish welcome must continue to be at the heart of the authentic experiences visitors have.

“How do we balance the local resources and needs of the community against the requirement to build a booming visitor economy? Particularly, as some fragile communities only have tourism at the heart of job and wealth creation.

“How do we ensure that precious local resources are available to all and we don’t create an anti-tourist vibe which was becoming prevalent in some communities before the lockdown?”

Mr Roughead also stressed that promotional activity and support would be tailored to the specific needs of different parts of Scotland.

“We are currently conducting an audit of places people will be able to visit easily post-Covid-19 and others that will require careful management,” he revealed.

“Our marketing will reflect that in our initial domestic campaigns – which will be about ensuring that some areas aren’t overwhelmed, and others get a bigger taste of tourism success.

“Tourism will still be an economic powerhouse for Scotland but this crisis has taught us one thing – that local quality of life has to be at the heart of creating a visitor experience and economy.”

Rob McKinnon, chief executive of the Outer Hebrides Tourism body, said it was a deeply worrying time for firms.

“The anxiety levels among businesses on the islands are increasing, as the period they will be unable to open is extended, the initial support received is used up and the uncertainty in the future remains high,” he added.

Meanwhile, the head of the UK’s national tourism agency revealed the £37 billion hit the sector has already taken as she expressed interest in the idea of creating “air bridges” to allow people to go to other countries with low incidence of coronavirus.

Patricia Yates, acting Chief Executive of Visit Britain, told MPs financial losses were being felt from the sharp decline in visitors and there was a worry that more businesses would go to the wall in the autumn.

“For inbound... we were looking at the beginning of this year at about £26.6 billion coming from inbound tourism - we reckon a £15bn drop on that,” she told the Commons Culture Committee.

“And for domestic, an industry that’s normally worth about £80bn, a £22bn drop on that.”

She described as “interesting” the idea about creating air bridges.

“It would be good to choose the countries that were valuable to us for inbound markets,” she added.

“Our American regional director is telling us... America is ready to go.” She also said Visit Britain was already looking at stepping up marketing in Ireland, which will be exempt from quarantine measures regarding international travel and suggested the creation of an October bank holiday would extend the season beyond the usual summer months.

Grant Shapps, the Transport Secretary, announced the 14-day quarantine policy from next month but mentioned the idea of “air bridges” on Monday while No 10 said it was not an agreed policy but was an “option”.

Harry Theoharis, the Greek Tourism Minister, said his country’s government would set aside the quarantine requirement if the same was done for Greek people travelling to the UK.