STA gives evidence to House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee

Marc Crothall, Chief Executive of the Scottish Tourism Alliance was invited to give evidence to the Lords Economic Affairs Committee this afternoon, along with Kate Nicholls, CEO, UK Hospitality and Jean-Philippe Monod, Vice President for Government Affairs at Expedia and Vice Chair, UK Short Term Accommodation Association.

Evidence was presented in response to the following questions:

• What are the main challenges facing the UK’s hospitality and leisure sectors?
• Has the ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme helped the hospitality industry to retain employees?
• How have UK tourist destinations fared as restrictions on social and economic activity have been loosened?
• What are the immediate challenges that the hospitality and leisure sector face as a result of more people working from home in the short-term?
• What formal and informal channels exist for the hospitality and leisure sector to voice its concerns to the UK Government and the devolved Governments? [Are your concerns being recognised and acted upon?]
• How has the use of technology in the sector post-lockdown – for instance the use of QR codes – transformed working practices?
• What steps have firms in the hospitality and leisure sector taken to safeguard staff well-being, both physical and mental?
• What further support does the sector require to protect jobs and businesses?

The session was broadcast live but you can view the recording later this week here.