Scottish Passenger Agents Association (SPAA) https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/tag/scottish-passenger-agents-association-spaa/ Informing, connecting and developing the world’s travel industry professionals. Wed, 03 May 2023 12:10:30 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 After a decade, TUI rejoins SPAA https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/after-a-decade-tui-rejoins-spaa/ Thu, 20 Feb 2020 03:30:56 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=537513 The post After a decade, TUI rejoins SPAA appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

TUI UK & Ireland, part of TUI Group and one of the world’s leading travel companies, has returned to membership of the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association (SPAA) after 10 years. Joanne Dooey, president of SPAA, said she was delighted to see such a major force in travel return to the fold. She added: “The travel […]

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The post After a decade, TUI rejoins SPAA appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

TUI UK & Ireland, part of TUI Group and one of the world’s leading travel companies, has returned to membership of the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association (SPAA) after 10 years.

Joanne Dooey, president of SPAA, said she was delighted to see such a major force in travel return to the fold. She added: “The travel sector has faced a particularly turbulent time in the past 24 months, and we firmly believe that the best approach to addressing these challenges is for the industry to come together with one voice. I believe the company and its employees will make an exceptional contribution to the SPAA.”

Belinda Vazquez, retail director at TUI said: “We’re really excited to once again be a member of SPAA. We already work closely with our key Scottish travel agent partners and hope that we can develop these relationships further and work with other members to support the Scottish travel marketplace. Our membership will also allow us to develop a stronger relationship between SPAA and our TUI Retail network.” The SPAA, founded in 1921, is the world’s oldest organisation representing travel agents.

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SPAA voices ‘dismay’ at IATA BSP plans https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/spaa-voices-dismay-at-iata-bsp-plans/ Mon, 15 Dec 2014 16:58:11 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=216124 The post SPAA voices ‘dismay’ at IATA BSP plans appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The Scottish Passenger Agents Association (SPAA) has voiced its dismay at IATA’s plans to introduce twice-monthly BSP remittance. The association said it did not endorse the move in its representation on the Agent Programme Joint Committee (APJC), which last week voted in favour of fortnightly payments. SPAA said many of its members now fear the […]

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If approved the new rules come into effect in 2016
If approved the new rules come into effect in 2016

The Scottish Passenger Agents Association (SPAA) has voiced its dismay at IATA’s plans to introduce twice-monthly BSP remittance.

The association said it did not endorse the move in its representation on the Agent Programme Joint Committee (APJC), which last week voted in favour of fortnightly payments.

SPAA said many of its members now fear the scheme, which would be introduced in June 2016, will have a ‘serious impact’ on IATA-licensed agents, and believe it is indirectly paying for the failure of IATA and airlines.

Concerns have also been raised over agency protection in the current proposals, which ensure airline members are protected.

A SPAA spokesperson said: “Of course it’s understandable that airlines seek to protect themselves against agency defaults resulting from over-trading or miss-selling, but that does not justify a solution that penalises the vast majority of IATA-member agencies and TMCs, working hard to pursue best management and financial practice at all times. These agencies pay significant fees to IATA and fulfil stringent criteria to be approved for an IATA licence, and as a consequence the pursuit of mutually respectful and transparent long-term business partnership between airline and agent should be at the core of the solution, rather than further financial strictures imposed on the latter.”

SPAA said it will consult with other members of the APJC including ABTA and GTMC leading up to IATA’s Passenger Agency Conference in October 2015 when a formal recommendation is expected.

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UK money web International visitors to the UK spent £22 billion in 2014.
Travel industry reacts to Scotland’s no vote https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/travel-industry-reacts-to-scotlands-no-vote/ Fri, 19 Sep 2014 08:05:03 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=212355 The post Travel industry reacts to Scotland’s no vote appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

As Scotland voted no to independence the travel industry has expressed its views on what the vote means to the travel, tourism and hospitality industries.    Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association (SPAA) SPAA adopted a neutral stance during the referendum and instead focused on issues relevant to the travel industry. SPAA held regular meetings with the […]

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The post Travel industry reacts to Scotland’s no vote appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Scotland has voted to stay in the UK
Scotland has voted to stay in the UK

As Scotland voted no to independence the travel industry has expressed its views on what the vote means to the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. 

 

Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association (SPAA)

SPAA adopted a neutral stance during the referendum and instead focused on issues relevant to the travel industry. SPAA held regular meetings with the main parties in conjunction with ABTA regarding Air Passenger Duty (APD), taxation, currency, cross-border issues and European legislation.

SPAA president Jimmy Martin said: “Now that the will of the Scottish people has been made known we look forward to hearing which additional policies will be devolved from Westminster to Holyrood, and whether any of these will have the potential to impact our industry. Although it seems likely it will be ‘business as usual’, our political lobbying work will continue unabated.”

 

UKinbound

UKinbound has 14 Scottish members ranging from tour operators to attractions, hotel companies and destination marketing providers.

Its chief executive, Deirdre Wells OBE said: “We are delighted that after a period of some uncertainty, Scotland has voted to remain part of the UK.

“While global attention on Scotland in recent weeks has understandably focussed on the issues surrounding the referendum, now is the time to remember that as an international tourism destination, Scotland has and will continue to have, extraordinary appeal and enormous potential for growth in the future, thanks to its unique combination of incredible scenery, fascinating heritage, burgeoning cultural scene and friendly people.

“Through our representative based in Scotland, UKinbound will continue with its plans to support existing Scottish members as well as bringing on board new ones, providing them with a range of business development opportunities. We will also continue to champion the inbound tourism industry to Scotland both at Scottish Government and at Westminster level.

“Vital to our members is ensuring that Scotland as a destination provides good quality, value for money product for visitors and that we create a favourable economic environment for the industry to continue to flourish.

“We therefore await with interest, the announcement of further devolved powers to the Scottish Parliament.”

 

British Hospitality Association (BHA)

BHA represents more than 40,000 hotels, restaurants and hospitality firms across the UK and has welcomed the clarity that the referendum has provided.

William Macleod, executive director at BHA Scotland said: “Tourism and hospitality are almost unique in their capacity to build international cultural understanding. What’s important now is that tourism is given every support to succeed, grow and compete internationally.

“The Scottish hospitality industry welcomes the clarity which follows the referendum vote that Scotland is to remain part of the United Kingdom. There are many issues that will require attention as arrangements are made to devolve greater powers to the Scottish Parliament.

“Hospitality and tourism are vitally important to the Scottish economy with some 15% of the population working in the industry. The sector has consistently demonstrated resilience, adaptability and innovation, especially over the last five years or so and is showing clear signs of recovery. This recovery can be sustained if the economic and political conditions are in place to support this. There are a number of British and international hospitality organisations that are investing in Scotland and others have declared their interest in doing the same.

“BHA looks forward to working closely with the Scottish Government in the run-up to the elections in the spring of 2016 to represent the interests of hospitality businesses and continue to put forward the case for the conditions that will allow hospitality and tourism in Scotland to continue to grow profitably; create employment (especially for young people) and compete effectively with other European countries.”

 

ABTA

“Today’s ‘No’ vote brings to a close a protracted period of uncertainty, and means that travel companies and their customers can continue with the current regulatory and business systems. Some of the travel issues raised during the independence debate, such as Air Passenger Duty and consumer protection, remain live issues, and ABTA will continue to engage with these on behalf of its Members in Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom.”

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indyref web Scotland has voted to stay in the UK
Etihad announces Edinburgh plans https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/etihad-announces-edinburgh-plans/ Thu, 10 Jul 2014 15:39:07 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=209831 The post Etihad announces Edinburgh plans appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Etihad Airways has announced plans to launch daily flights between Edinburgh and Abu Dhabi next year. The new route will commence on 8 June and will be operated by an Airbus A330-200 with 22 business class seats and 240 in economy. It will be the airline’s first Scottish destination and third in the UK following […]

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Etihad will launch flights from Edinburgh in June 2015
Etihad will launch flights from Edinburgh in June 2015

Etihad Airways has announced plans to launch daily flights between Edinburgh and Abu Dhabi next year.

The new route will commence on 8 June and will be operated by an Airbus A330-200 with 22 business class seats and 240 in economy. It will be the airline’s first Scottish destination and third in the UK following London and Manchester.

The outbound flight will depart Edinburgh at 9.15 to arrive in Abu Dhabi at 19.45, while the return journey will leave at 02.40 to land in Edinburgh at 07.40.

“Scotland has been on our radar for some time and we are delighted that the first direct connection between its capital, Edinburgh, and the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi, will be operational from next year,” said Etihad’s president and CEO James Hogan. “The two cities share strong tourism links and the UAE is Scotland’s primary trade partner in the Gulf region, which will fuel strong demand among business and leisure travellers on our non-stop service.”

Hogan had pledged to start flights from Scotland at the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association’s (SPAA) annual dinner in February, and also hopes to add a second service in five years’ time.

SPAA’s president Jimmy Martin said: “This can only be positive for Scotland, for our business people and our leisure travellers, not least in this landmark year. The last couple of years has brought incredible growth in the range of destinations reachable by air direct from Scottish airports, domestic, European short-haul, and worldwide long-haul. That brings healthy competition in air fares, economy and premium, and as our agents and passengers get behind these routes, it grows the market for everyone.”

The new route is part of a string of new route announcements from Etihad which also include new routes to Kolkata in February; Madrid in March; Entebbe in May and Hong Kong and Algiers in June.

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Edinburgh web Edinburgh Castle.