Travel industry reacts to Scotland’s no vote

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.”