Paper’s story was Scotch mist

Paper’s story was Scotch mist

THE SCOTTISH tourist industry has received a battering following reports that hoteliers are getting lessons on how to be nice to customers.

However, last word has made a few enquiries and believes it can shed some light on what’s been going on. It would appear a national newspaper has been stirring things up for our friends north of the border.

Months ago, regional development agency Scottish Enterprise Tayside ran some ‘tourism master classes’ to help people in the travel and tourism industry improve their businesses.

According to last word’s sources, by the time the newspaper, which shall remain nameless, had finished with the facts, these master classes had been turned into “lessons in politeness”.

It did not help that VisitScotland chief executive Philip Riddle was reported as saying: “There are those who see being helpful, friendly and responsive to people’s needs as being the equivalent of forelock tugging.”

Last word put in a call to VisitScotland to find out what was going on.

A spokeswoman said: “He did not say that. It was a quote from the press office in response to a totally different enquiry.”

Let’s all hope this is the end of the matter before it gets completely out of hand.