Scottish agents recruit lobbying firm

The Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association is beefing up its parliamentary lobbying by appointing a top public affairs agency.

Weber Shandwick has been recruited to raise the SPAA’s profile within the Scottish Parliament in particular. 

The SPAA aims to speak to MSPs, officials and others within the public policy arena to seek change, support and better recognition for members. 

The company will work with the SPAA to develop a strategic communications programme targeting the Scottish and UK parliaments, the Scottish media and travel industry bodies.

The firm will also help the SPAA raise awareness of issues affecting the Scottish travel industry such as the reform of the Air Travel Fund, proposals for a levy on aircraft emissions and relations with the IATA A.

SPAA President, Sandy MacPherson said: --For too long now the voice of the travel trade has not been clearly heard in the Scottish Parliament.  We look forward to working with Weber Shandwick to raise the profile of the SPAA and to seek support and action from MSPs on issues such as the IATA penalty on Scottish travel agents and reform of the Air Travel Fund”.

Weber Shandwick associate director Moray Macdonald said: --We look forward to building strong links between the association and Scottish policy makers to enable the SPAA to share their expertise on travel industry matters for the benefit of Scottish travel policy.”

The firm’s Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness and London offices will work together on the communications and profile raising campaign.

Report by Phil Davies

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

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