The deadline for the fully funded tourism and hospitality training initiative which was delivered to more than 2000 candidates in Scotland is this Sunday, 16th January. Applications for the virtual programme will no longer be accepted after this date.
The programme has been the largest virtual training course ever to take place in Scotland and 78% of those who have taken part have said that it had improved their career prospects. It is open to everyone across all sectors of Scotland’s tourism industry from suppliers to DMOs, cafes to nightclubs, visitor attractions to serviced accommodation and is being delivered by the Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland and the Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA).
David Cochrane MBE, CEO HIT Scotland (Hospitality Industry Trust) said, “We recognise the rollercoaster that our industry is enduring. So many factors are outwith our control and this makes planning incredibly difficult. One constant however is looking after our people and ensuring that they are supported and given the skills necessary to keep on delivering the world class service in Scotland and managing their people. Through the industry-led development of the THTDP, we can ensure that individuals and their businesses will receive inspirational learning and create that sense of belonging which we will all need to chart our way to recovery and beyond.”
Marc Crothall, Chief Executive of the STA also commented, “It has never been more important to protect, nurture, grow and retain the talent that exists within our tourism and hospitality sectors. This is a vital part of our tourism offering; the warm, talented and passionate people who work in our industry offer a unique point of difference in terms of visitor experience, one that Scotland is so well known for the world over. The development of our people and future skills is directly aligned to the growth priorities in Scotland’s tourism strategy, ‘Outlook 2030’ and I am delighted that the programme has been allocated the generous level of funding to date from the Scottish Government as a result of this being one of the Tourism Task Force recommendations. Our tourism industry has a critical role to play in the recovery of Scotland’s economy and the opening of the second round of the programme has come at a time when again, we find ourselves operating very much in crisis mode but with the resilience and determination to take every opportunity to strengthen, rebuild and recover.”
Lawrence Durden, Key Sector Manager for Tourism at Skills Development Scotland (SDS) added, “The National Transition Training Fund is focused on helping people acquire the skills that are most in demand across our economy. For Scottish tourism and hospitality businesses, that means developing the supervisory, leadership and management skills that are prized by employers of all sizes. This programme will help these businesses, large and small, to develop the skills of their staff and be better equipped to respond to the many challenges the sector currently faces, including recruitment and retention. In this way the fund can help businesses recover from the pandemic, enhance visitor experiences and remain globally competitive, while also helping people take the next step in an exciting and rewarding career.”
The initiative is one of the key recommendations of the Tourism Task Force which provided independent recommendations for Scottish Ministers and the UK, and will develop top talent, equipping them with the skills, knowledge and networks to lead the industry through recovery.
“A budget of choices,” said Finance Secretary Kate Forbes, as she chose to deliver another blow to hospitality operators. This afternoon (9th December) she revealed that the Scottish Government’s 2022-2023 Budget did not include an extension to rates relief beyond the first three months of the next financial year for hospitality and retail premises despite trade organisations lobbying for a longer extension.
She said in her address to Parliament that the rates relief will continue at 50% for the first three months of the 2022 financial year and is to be capped at £27,500 per ratepayer. Although businesses with a Rateable Value of less than £15,000 would pay nothing for the next 12 months.”
Stephen Montgomery, spokesperson for the Scottish Hospitality Group said, “Today’s budget is a bitter blow for the hospitality sector in Scotland. Throughout the last 20 months every sector of the economy has suffered, but none more so than the hospitality sector. From lockdowns to curfews, restricted hours, and music bans, we have endured it all, and today we got little or no thanks for anything we have suffered.
“The inclusion of a £27,500 per ratepayer cap, is a devastating blow to larger businesses, all of which will have retained staff right the way through this pandemic, and today have received no thanks for it. For many businesses within the hospitality sector of all sizes, this will be the end of the road after fighting for survival for over 20 months.
“At a time when we are seeing cancellations coming in during a month that is traditionally where hospitality would have seen 30% of its annual turnover come in during normal times, and after Christmas being more or less cancelled last year, there will be many many businesses, there will be many within the sector feeling very disheartened and let down.”
Marc Crothall, Chief Executive of the Scottish Tourism Alliance said, “Today’s budget announcement sends a clear and stark message to Scotland’s tourism industry that the short-term extension of business rates relief is effectively the one last lifeline of support available. The cliff edge the Finance Secretary refers to will only be delayed until June 2022 when the impact will be felt hard by businesses across all sectors within our industry.
“Whilst smaller businesses with a rateable value of less than £15,000 will be relieved to know that they are exempt from paying rates, businesses that fall into the higher bracket, especially larger businesses will be underwhelmed, disappointed and find themselves with even tougher decisions ahead, particularly in this current climate of uncertainty. Many businesses are already expressing disappointment and shock that the future relief doesn’t match what has been announced by the UK Government.
“Given the impact of the pandemic on Scotland’s tourism industry over the past two years, we are of the strong view that today’s budget announcement does not go anywhere near far enough in delivering the level of meaningful, long-term or indeed short-term support required by our tourism businesses to recover. It will certainly not enable our industry to deliver the successful business activity, entrepreneurship and innovation Ms Forbes refers to as part of a ‘wellbeing economy’.
“Tourism is a major economic contributor to Scotland’s public purse; it will be key to moving our country through recovery to a much stronger position. Many of our businesses continue to operate in survival mode, cash reserves have dwindled and the weeks ahead of the ‘golden season’ which would have been an opportunity for businesses to recoup lost income have certainly lost their sheen due to the arrival of the Omicron variant along with a degree of consumer uncertainty from a public health point of view.”
While UKHospitality Scotland, Executive Director Leon Thompson said, “The Scottish Budget has failed hospitality businesses across the country. It provides little hope to businesses at risk of financial free-fall as they face a much-reduced Christmas and New Year trading period due to concerns over the spread of omicron.
“The extension of business rate relief of 50% from April to June 2022 simply moves the financial pressures a little further down the line and does nothing to eliminate the very real challenges that our businesses face. With increased cancellations, many businesses face stark months ahead. Many had pinned their hopes on today’s budget statement and will now be facing very difficult choices. It’s a difficult juncture for both owners and their workers.
“Not only has the Scottish Government failed to listen to the pleas of our hard-pressed sector, but budget documents also reveal plans to revisit the introduction of a tourist tax. Businesses need support, not further measures that will limit the opportunity for recovery – whenever they might come.”
Ms Forbes defending her decision highlighted the fact that businesses in England started paying rates last July in Scotland while in Scotland businesses are still not paying rates. Although she did not mention the fact that in Scotland hospitality businesses pay far higher rates than the rest of the UK.
She said, “It has been a challenging Budget due to the continuing impact of the pandemic, and the uncertainty and worry that Covid poses for us all. This has been confounded by the UK Government’s decision to remove necessary Covid consequential funding at a time when we undeniably need to help our public services.
“This is a budget of choices… cannot deliver all of the resources our partners would have wanted. I believe we have made the right choices.”
A group of business organisations led by the Scottish Tourism Alliance has written to economy focussed MSPs and officials seeking an urgent meeting on the renewed crisis in the tourism sector and supply chain as a result of Scottish Government policy not to remove the need for a PCR test for double vaccinated tourists and business travellers in line with the rest of the UK.
Commenting on the letter, CEO of the Scottish Tourism Alliance, Marc Crothall (pictured) said, “The Scottish Government’s latest decision on international travel restrictions, specifically around Day 2 testing has caused serious alarm across the travel, tourism and hospitality sector in Scotland and the broader business community.
“I have received a steady stream of messages over the course of the weekend from businesses presenting direct and immediate evidence of the impact of the Scottish Government’s decision on international travel restrictions; as an example, one inbound operator has been told to direct all future bookings to airports south of the border.
“It is the grave concern of many that international bookings, revenue and visitors are being lost not just now but should this policy remain, it could destroy any hopes of recovery in 2022. Unless there is a swift change, the Scottish Government’s position on international travel will effectively write off international tourism to Scotland for another year to the detriment of our businesses, communities, supply chain and wider economy.
“Our industry has gone above and beyond guidance and legal requirements to protect public health and support the Scottish Government’s efforts to curtail the spread of the virus and curb cases; we have requested that a member of the Scottish Government’s public health team also attends this meeting to explain how the most recent analysis of data supports the view that international travel is driving transmission. This policy is causing immediate damage to revenues and represents high risk self-harm for jobs and the economy in the short, medium and long term.”
Dr Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Network said, “We simply fail to comprehend and are shocked by the Scottish Government’s decision not to align with others to remove the need for a PCR test for double vaccinated tourists and business travellers. This is not only about the tourism and travel industry, it touches every part of our economy. Do we seriously believe that our economy will grow, and we will be able to attract investment, without being connected and accessible to the world?
“The impact, if this decision if not reversed quickly, is that we will have airlines and operators withdrawing from Scotland with businesses being forced to direct all our exporting and importing trade through other airports. How will this support jobs in Scotland? We need to hear and see the data which has driven this decision which is completely contradictory to leading global scientific evidence.”
The Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) and UKHospitality met Nicola Sturgeon on Friday afternoon to discuss the impact and implications for businesses within the sector which have been in and continue to languish in level 3 restrictions. Ivan McKee, the newly appointed Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise was also there.
They wanted to know why a blanket approach to restrictions, rather than a targeted postcode method of managing the rising cases was taken and highlighted the impact of travel restrictions within the Glasgow area and on tourism businesses across the rest of the country, Glasgow being one of the main conurbations for travel to other destinations. The organisations also highlighted the need for greater flexibility in the strategic framework restrictions depending on local circumstances.
The STA had conversations with many of its sector group and trade bodies last week, gleaning evidence from members such as the Scottish Beer and Pub Association and the Scottish Licensed Trade Association to relay directly to the First Minister.
The priority issue for discussion was focussed around the levels of financial support which are required immediately by the impacted tourism and hospitality businesses both within and outside the restricted travel areas and support for new employees who have not been able to work but are not eligible for furlough.
The issue around the impact of short notice, the importance of businesses being given a clear timescale for communication of changes to restrictions was also raised as was the heightening mental health crisis within the industry.
Leon Thompson, Executive Director Scotland UKHospitality (pictured) called the meeting “constructive”.
He said, “Meeting with the First Minister and Mr McKee allowed for a complete picture of the challenges faced by the hospitality sector to be presented.
“UKHospitality Scotland will continue to work with the new administration, with the first step a further meeting with Mr McKee next week to discuss support from the Scottish Government. Our sector, like no other, continues to be adversely impacted by restrictions. A clear and early demonstration of the Scottish Government’s commitment to hospitality is vital.”
Scottish Tourism Alliance Chief Executive Marc Crothall added, “We talked at length about the financial support required for the sector and were pleased that there was the acknowledgement that more support beyond the restart loans, the value of which has been lost due to the current circumstances is being considered.”
“We raised the point around the timing of announcements and understand why decisions were taken so late last week and that if decisions had been taken earlier this week, East Renfrewshire may have been moved back to Level 3. We look forward to continuing our constructive dialogue with the Scottish Government over the coming weeks in particular with Ivan McKee who has confirmed a meeting with the STA next Wednesday.”
The STA also raised the issue of the impact of the ongoing ferries situation on island communities and the tourism economy. The First Minister offered assurance that this was high on the list of priorities for the Transport Secretary.
The STA have confirmed an initial meeting with Mr McKee for 26th May to bring him up to speed with what they do, its members and the wider tourism industry and will be inviting both he and Ms Forbes to the next STA Council and Board meetings in June.
Holiday vouchers, discounts for days out and a marketing fund are included in a new £25 million tourism recovery programme revealed by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaking at the Scottish Tourism Alliance conference.
The programme, which has been developed by the Scottish Tourism Emergency Response Group (STERG) in partnership with businesses, will support the Scottish Tourism Recovery Taskforce objectives.
The recovery programme includes:
a holiday voucher scheme to create a more socially sustainable and inclusive tourism industry
a days out incentive scheme to support areas such as attractions, tours, activities and experiences
a talent development and leadership programme for tourism and hospitality staff
a Net Zero Pathway to make Scotland’s tourism industry more green and sustainable
a marketing fund to support organisations to promote their destination or sector when domestic travel is able to resume
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said, “It’s been an incredibly difficult year for all businesses but I don’t underestimate the acute challenges our tourism and hospitality sectors have faced.
“We’ve provided an unprecedented amount of funding for the sector, including over £129 million in business support and an extension of rates relief for 2021/22. But as the vaccine roll-out continues, and the lockdown restrictions begin to ease, we know more is needed to help tourism and hospitality businesses get firmly back on their feet.
“This is short term recovery funding to support the industry for the next 6 months to two years as we move back towards some form of normality, and it ensures we can achieve the objectives of the taskforce.
“I set out a vision for Scotland to be a leader in 21st century tourism when I announced Scotland Outlook 2030 at this very conference last year. I am confident, that by working in partnership, we can still achieve this vision.”
Marc Crothall, Chief Executive of the STA said, “The £25 million support for Scotland’s tourism industry which was announced by the First Minister at the STA Conference is a welcome boost for businesses as we move closer to what we hope will be a reopen date at the end of April.
“The funding projects are directly aligned to the Tourism Task Force recommendations which were published late last year and shows a firm commitment from the Scottish Government to working with the sector and the STA to rebuild our tourism industry through the delivery of key projects and initiatives. A very welcome announcement, particularly on a day which has felt so positive with over 2000 people tuning in to view the conference.”
UKHospitality Scotland Executive Director Willie Macleod said, “This good news for the tourism and hospitality sectors and represents a welcome step on the pathway to recovery.
“Consumer confidence is going to be key to the recovery of the hospitality and tourism sectors. After such a long time in hibernation and in the wake of such a catastrophe, customers might, understandably, be hesitant to get back out to venues and book holidays.
“As hospitality venues begin to reopen and as the tourism sector begins to reawaken, we need to be sending the message that we are open for businesses. The Scottish Government’s incentive scheme could play a significant role in tempting our customers back into our businesses. Letting customers know we are open, safe and ready to welcome them back again will be key to a quick start.”
Further details on the allocation of funds will be set out in due course.
The Scottish Tourism Alliance has partnered with law firm TLT to provide a new, free support line for its members as Scotland’s tourism industry gets geared up to reopen next week. STA members can call the hotline on 0333 006 0901 or email scottishtourism@tltsolicitors.com
The hotline allows STA members to speak directly to a specialist licensing solicitor for a free 30 minute consultation. Members can also receive discounted fees on a subsequent legal instruction if one is needed.
Marc Crothall, Chief Executive of the STA said, “The STA has been in regular communications with hundreds of businesses since the beginning of the Covid crisis in Scotland, and we continue to focus all of our efforts on shaping and influencing policy that will protect and sustain our industry over the coming months, and finding additional means of supporting businesses as they prepare to reopen.
“We are delighted to partner with TLT to offer this new support line to help our members make the necessary changes to their licensing arrangements and navigate this process quickly and effectively.
“We will continue to work with our Patrons and supporters to offer as much support as possible to our members at this critical time.”
Stephen McGowan, partner and head of licensing (Scotland) at TLT, says, “As thousands of businesses start to open their doors again and welcome guests and customers back, we will be here to support the STA and its members.
“Operators may need to secure amendments to their existing licences in order to operate effectively under the new government guidelines, particularly with regard to social distancing and the use of additional outdoor spaces. Others may be looking to expand or change their business plans.
“As we look forward to returning to places safely in Scotland, this is an opportune moment for us and the STA to be providing this service.”
As a specialist in leisure and tourism, TLT has the largest licensing team in Scotland. It has been working closely with the Scottish government, industry bodies and operators to support the leisure, food and drink sector throughout the coronavirus pandemic, and now in its recovery.
There will be no festivals this summer in Edinburgh following the announcement that The Edinburgh Fringe and the Edinburgh International Festival have been cancelled alongside the Military Tattoo, Edinburgh International Book Festival and the Edinburgh Arts Festival.
The festival was due to run from 7th – 31st August with around 4.5m people expected in the capital over the period. It’s the first time in 70 years that the world’s biggest arts festival will not take place.
Fergus Linehan, Festival Director Edinburgh International Festival said in a statement, “I have been working with the Festival team to consider how we might present a Festival in 2020. It has now become clear that, given the current outlook, it is not going to be possible to do so. We have, therefore, along with our board of trustees, taken the hugely disappointing decision to cancel the 2020 Edinburgh International Festival.
There are more important challenges to be faced over the coming months but I know that the Festival plays a central role in the cultural, social and economic lives of many in our city and country. I am very sorry that on this occasion, the show can’t go on. However, this just has made all of us at the Festival more determined than ever that when it is safe, we will be back.
He added, “The Edinburgh International Festival was born out of adversity – an urgent need to both reconnect and rebuild. This current crisis presents us with a similar sense of urgency. Work begins straight away on a 2021 Festival that will boost both our spirits and our economy.”
Marc Crothall, Chief Executive of the Scottish Tourism Alliance comments, “It is the right decision to take for many reasons that are well documented but most importantly protecting the health and well-being of our nation. From recent conversations I have had with stakeholders who are involved in delivering Edinburgh’s festivals, I know that there remains huge ambition, resilience, determination and a will to deliver these world famous events which bring people from across the world and the UK to experience our warm welcome, culture, comedy and spectaclel when the time is right.”
The Scottish Tourism Alliance has revealed that in communications with the Scottish government, it has called for the scrapping of all business rates/local taxes for all travel and tourism businesses as well as a full range of business support for the next 12 months.
This includes:
Deferring all corporation tax, VAT and PAYE for 12 months
Significant emergency loan funding for all affected businesses (as Germany)
Paying % of the lost wages of employees on reduced time or temporary layoffs (as Germany and Denmark are doing)
Providing full benefits and support to all staff who are temporarily made redundant immediately.
Suspending the requirement for tour operators to refund customers who cannot travel (this affects the entire supply chain).
Requiring the banks and landlords to offer all affected employees and businesses repayment holidays of up to 12 months on mortgages, loans, rent etc. – maybe to ease with Scot Govt guarantee.
Use the Scottish Investment Bank to support now.
Push the banks hard to be supportive of hospitality businesses experiencing unexpected trading difficulties and provide Scottish Government guarantee.
Commercial landlords must be encouraged to defer rent payments with Government guarantees as necessary.
Establish a SG underwritten business support fund to provide emergency cash flow via zero-interest loans and non-repayable grants.
Although a reserved matter, Scottish Government to press UKG for reduction in tourism and hospitality VAT to (5%) to stimulate demand and support recovery as well as others.
Marc Crothall, Chief Executive of The STA comments, “There is now much greater acknowledgement and recognition by the Cabinet Secretary and members of Scottish Government of the severity and pace of the impacts that are currently being and soon to be even greater felt by all across the industry. We have highlighted and shared what is happening in Ireland and elsewhere in Europe, pointing towards the types and levels of support being provided by governments of those destinations.
“There is now much greater acknowledgement and recognition by the Cabinet Secretary and members of Scottish Government of the severity and pace of the impacts that are currently being and soon to be even greater felt by all across the industry.”
He also revealed that the STA have a commitment of a call three times a week with the Cabinet Secretary, which will be more frequent if necessary. Mr Ewing has stressed the importance of industry continuing to feed back through the channels of the STA and Visit Scotland of the impacts being felt on a daily basis.
Says Crothall, “We have also asked for more regular announcements by Scottish Government on what actions are being committed to quickly so to provide comfort and assurance that every possible thing is being done.”
It seems like I am now famous for championing dogs – in pubs, hotels – you name it – if you could just see the volume of press releases that I now get. There is a new dog hotel in Linlithgow called the Dogchester, while beer companies are bring out beers for dogs. BeerHawk have the attractively named Bottom Sniffer, a 0% ABV speciality beer for dogs from Woof & Brew, while I understand Snuffle Dog Beer is going down a storm too. I can’t wait to start judging Dog Pub of the Year… or at least my canine companions can’t!
I wouldn’t mind having Neil Morrison as a boss… he runs a staff incentive every year which sees workmates choosing the most deserved employees of the year. This year they were Eilidh Daroch from the Lochside and Rebecca Armstrong from Macgochans who were chosen. They won a trip to Miami. The only downside was boss Neil Morrison travelled with them… (only joking). A great time was had by all.
The recent Scottish Tourism Alliance Conference was a bit of an eye-opener for me. Not least because I, and the other delegates, discovered that in America some hotels are now rating their customers, in the same way that Uber get drivers to give feedback on theirs. I think this could get interesting. Time and time again I hear the licensed trade say that people complained only in order to get something off their bill. This could put an end to that. Apparently some hotels in the States are also offering incentives to encourage good behaviour. I bet right now you are all thinking of customers that fit both scenarios!
So the Prime Minister Theresa May has triggered Article 50, and our First Minister is planning a new Referendum. As one publican said to me “We were facing two years of uncertainty, and now we are facing two years of increased uncertainty! More reason for us all to go to the pub more often! But seriously, nobody knows what is ahead, we are all sailing in unchartered waters and anyone that tells you different must be gazing into their very own crystal ball.
The rating issue, we cover fully in Annabelle Love’s piece on pages 10 and 11, really it is a scandal. The fact that all this energy now has to be utilised to fight these unfair valuations, when in fact the trade needs to focus on their businesses and building them. The Scottish Government claims to support Entrepreneurs – let’s see it. And let’s have some transparency when it comes to how the assessors have come to their conclusions.
Donald MacLeod of The Garage fame has just purchased, at auction, the original Trainspotting Bar and sofa. Mind you he needed a seat after buying two of its iconic panels too, as there was a bit of bidding war. Donald told me “There was a publican in the North East bidding too, which really pushed the price up. The good news is that folk are already calling me trying to rent the bar, but I’ll be putting it to good use in The Garage during Freshers Week and for special occasions.” The mind boggles!
People ask me what I love most about this business and I always tell them the same thing…the people. Interviewing people who are passionate about what they do always is invigorating. This month was no different. Our licensee interviewee Giovanna Eusebi was a real pleasure to talk to. She is passionate about her business and about people. I also caught up with Calum Ross, the new GM at the Hilton Glasgow, for our new magazine Hotel Scotland. He too is a dynamo and focussed on excellence. He brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Of course there were a few catch up meetings too with Steve Graham of Manorview – I don’t know where he gets his energy. He has no sooner finished one project than his company is onto the next! The same goes for Billy Lowe – it’s been a long time since I have heard him so enthusiastic about the trade. It was also good to meet up with Hans Rissman and his wife Lydia. Congratulations to the two of them on their new hotel The Strathaven in Strathaven. I look forward to seeing its progress.
Iain Pert of PG Taverns has written to Lasse Burmester at the Mergers at Competition and Markets Authority backing Star Pubs & Bars acquisition of 1900 Punch Pubs. He believes it is great news for the industry, Punch licensees and pub goers. Iain, who currently leases a number of pubs from Star Pubs & Bars says in his letter, “We have a strong working relationship with Star and have seen real improvements over recent years to the range of business support they offer. Many of us have worked closely with Star on major investments which have transformed pubs that had seen better days into vibrant community hubs bringing in more customers and helping us grow our businesses together.” It’s good to get another side of the story with both the Scottish Licensed Trade Association and CAMRA looking on the deal negatively. See his full letter online at www.dramscotland.co.uk
You have heard the story about how Victor Kiam, the man who said he liked Remington razors so much that he bought the company, well how about the former Belhaven employees Frank Cogan and Martin Mackay, of Bozzco Inns, who like their former boss Jim Young so much that they bought a pub that was named after him… the former JD Wetherspoon pub in Bathgate called The James Young! However a name change I understand is imminent, so no bust of the bold Jim behind the bar. I understand names in the frame include The Stuart Ross and The Bill Hughes. Frank assures me he is only joking!
Good luck to father and daughter team Stephen and Ally Gilmour who have set up a new drinks wholesale company called Triana Drinks. They already have Spanish beer Cruzcampo, Larios gin, Licor 43 liqueur, the Faustino range of Rioja wines and quite a few other brands too. Ally, who has a business management degree is only 21, but has been working in bars since she was 16… and she is the person driving the business. She certainly has got plenty of energy.
And finally my brother owns a advertising and marketing magazine called The Drum… (I know, I know). Anyway, during Ad Week in London recently they took over a bar and ran it as The Drum Arms. Unsurprisingly he took to it like a duck to water!
The amount of spending by North American tourists in Scotland’s hotels, bars and restaurants has risen by 28% to £633m in the past 12 months, according to new figures released by the ONS and the Scottish Government.
The findings also showed an overall 6% increase in international tourists spending in Scotland to September 2016, despite a 7% drop in European markets.
The number of North American tourists visiting Scotland also rose 14% in the same period.
Tourism Secretary Fiona Hyslop, said, “North America is an important international market. These excellent figures confirm visitors from the region continue to spend more when they visit Scotland. It’s great news for our hotels, shops and restaurants that depend on tourism revenue.
“Scotland’s tourism businesses, and their 217,000 jobs, work incredibly hard to make our country a must-visit destination for foreign travellers.
“Our tourism sector operates in a highly competitive international market. European markets have registered a dip, which may be linked to uncertainty over safety and security affecting travel.”
Marc Crothall, Chief Executive of Scottish Tourism Alliance, added, “The latest visitor figures for Q3 are very encouraging.
“This should offer confidence to the industry that we can continue to perform successfully as Scotland’s main economic driver during these periods of political and economic uncertainty.”
Lord Thurso has been appointed as the new Chair of VisitScotland replacing outgoing Chairman Mike Cantlay. Announcing Lord Thurso’s appointment Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing said, “I am delighted to welcome John Thurso as the new Chair of VisitScotland and wish him well in his new post. Scottish tourism goes from strength to strength and I’m sure VisitScotland will benefit hugely from John’s experience and expertise in the industry to grow and develop Scotland’s visitor economy.”
Lord Thurso has been involved in hospitality all his working life. He became Europe’s youngest 5-star hotel manager when appointed Managing Director of the Savoy Group’s Lancaster Hotel in Paris at 27. Five years later he became founder General Manager for Blakeney Hotels of Cliveden, and then he became Chief Executive of Granfel Holdings – a small company with three hotels. From 1995 to 2001, he was CEO of Fitness & Leisure Holdings whose main asset was Champneys Health Spa.
John has served as a non-executive on a number of public company boards including The Savoy PLC, Millenium and Copthorne PLC and Walker Greenbank PLC. He is also Chairman of his family company in Caithness and for many years owned The Ulbster Arms in Halkirk. He was Grand Master of the Keepers of the Quaich of which he remains a patron and currently he is Chair of the International Wine & Spirit Competition, a trustee of the Castle of Mey Trust and a board member of IPSA.
Having inherited his title on the death of his father in 1995, he sat in the House of Lords until 1999 and from 2001 to 2015 was MP for Caithness, Sutherland & Easter Ross. He served on the Treasury Select Committee and was a member of the Parliamentary Banking Standards Commission as well as being a Commissioner of the House of Commons and Chair of the House Finance Committee. He was awarded a “Catey” for services to Tourism 2003, was made an honorary DBA by Oxford Brookes in 2004 and is a Master Innholder and a Fellow of The Institute of Hospitality. He is President of the Tourism Society. In 2014, he was made a Privy Councillor by The Queen.
Lord Thurso comments, “Scotland is an iconic national brand with a world class tourist offering and VisitScotland http://www.visitscotland.com does a great job promoting both. I look forward to joining the team where I hope the skills I have learnt in my hospitality career combined with my career in public service will make a useful contribution.”
Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland said,“Tourism continues to go from strength to strength in Scotland and I’m sure John’s vast experience, in both the hospitality industry and public sector, will be a valuable asset for VisitScotland in the years ahead as we continue to showcase our country as the perfect place to visit and invest in.”
Stephen Leckie, Chairman Scottish Tourism Alliance, said, “I very much look forward to working with Lord Thurso, Chair to Chair and in my role as Chair of the Industry Leadership Group, to share and inspire industry with the Tourism Strategy 2020 vision and deliver that important milestone of £5.5 billion by the year 2020.
“His breadth and depth of experience and his knowledge and understanding of the hospitality and tourism industries along with his numerous high profile and esteemed roles in the world of politics and business will undoubtedly bring an exciting, impassioned and innovative approach to this hugely important position within our tourism industry.”
The Pub Advisory Service (PAS), one of the U.K.’s most prominent voices against the failings of pubcos, has joined a coalition of Scottish brewers and organisations to help the Scottish licensed industry fight against tied pubs. The call for action challenges the British Beer and Pub Association who, along with pubcos, wish to see no change in Scotland. The motion is set to go to parliament tomorrow (Wednesday 20th May) after a motion against tied pubs was lodged by MSP Paul Martin and gained cross-party support. It’s believed that 1000 pubs in Scotland are affected by the ruling which compels tenants of major beer companies to buy beer from their landlords, normally at higher prices than the market rate. It’s reported that tied pubs remove at least £40m from the Scottish economy.
The PAS recently had success at Westminster where MP’s voted to scrap the mechanism. Paul Waterson of the SLTA, one of the members of the coalition, commented, “The principle has already been established by Westminster – the tied model is unhealthy, uncompetitive and needs to be changed. What more needs to be proven? We must not allow delay. Scotland’s industry stands firmly together on this issue and we need decisive action fast.”
Other members of the coalition include Tennent Caledonian Breweries, Williams Brothers, and CAMRA. They were recently joined by Scottish Tourism Alliance who cited concerns of the effect tied pubs have on Scotland’s tourism. Mark Crothall, CEO of the Scottish Tourism Alliance said, “Pubs and licensed premises are an important part of Scotland’s hospitality and tourism offering – but many would now appear to be disadvantaged compared with their counterparts across the rest of the UK.” He concludes, “We encourage the Scottish Government to commit to action on this issue in the near future and we look forward to positive progress being made.”
