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
Phil Davies
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026