Tourism and hospitality bodies meet with First Minister to discuss impact of ongoing restrictions
The Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) and UKHospitality met with Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP this afternoon to discuss the impact and implications for businesses within the sector which have been in and continue to remain in level 3 restrictions. Ivan McKee MSP, the newly appointed Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise also attended the meeting.
The trade bodies were keen to establish 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 has had conversations with many of its sector group and trade bodies this 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 today.
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.
The organisations took the opportunity to acknowledge the First Minister’s newly appointed Cabinet and Ministerial team, welcoming the appointment of Kate Forbes MSP as Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy and the announcement that Ivan McKee MSP will take on the supporting role as Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise.
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 appraise him of the structure and activity of the organisation, 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.
Marc Crothall, Chief Executive of the Scottish Tourism Alliance said:
“We are hugely appreciative to the First Minister for taking the time to listen and understand these key issues faced by tourism and hospitality businesses at the moment; it is clear to us from the meeting today that she and Mr McKee have a deep understanding of all of the challenges facing the sector and we are heartened by her indication that the Scottish Government will listen and offer as much support as possible to businesses affected both within and outside of the area.”
“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.”
Leon Thompson, Executive Director Scotland UKHospitality said:
“Today’s constructive 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.”
You can view the note from the meeting here.
