It’s a NO! Scotland’s travel industry breathes sigh of relief

Industry leaders in Scotland were united this morning in expressing relief that the independence referendum was over, bringing two years of uncertainty surrounding Scotland’s future to an end.

Jimmy Martin, president of the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association, which took a neutral stance in the referendum, 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."

In particular, it will continue to argue for a reform of air passenger duty in Scotland, which had been promised by the SNP if the country had voted for independence in yesterday’s election.

ABTA said the No vote ended ‘a protracted period of uncertainty and meant travel companies and their customers could continue with the current regulatory and business systems.

In a statement, it said:"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."

British Hospitality Association Scotland executive director William Macleod said: "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."

UKinbound, the membership trade association representing the interests of the UK’s inbound tourism sector, has responded to the Scottish referendum result.

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

 UKinbound has 14 Scottish members including  tour operators, attractions, hotel companies, destination marketing and service providers with a large number of non-Scotland based members also having Scottish business interests.

"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," added Wells.

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