Economy Secretary acknowledges the vital role of tourism in rebuilding economy as trade body marks 10 year anniversary

The Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA), the representative body for Scotland’s tourism sector is marking its 10^th anniversary today, 26^th May, with the acknowledgement from the Scottish Government that tourism will play a key role in economic transformation.

Recognising the vital role tourism has in rebuilding and transforming Scotland’s economy, Economy Secretary Kate Forbes said:

“I was delighted to attend the tenth anniversary of the Scottish Tourism Alliance. Tourism is a hugely important part of the Scottish economy, and the visitor and hospitality sectors play a critical role in supporting our economic recovery.

“The STA has played an integral part in representing the industry and helping to create a tourism sector of which we are immensely proud. The Scottish Government will continue to work closely with the STA as we strive to meet the aims of our recently published National Strategy for Economic Transformation.”

Speaking about the organisation’s 10-year milestone, STA Chief Executive, Marc Crothall said:

“Our industry has survived the greatest crisis of modern times, with the STA working tirelessly to lead, support and guide tourism businesses through the most harrowing period.”

“The past two years have strengthened us an industry, and the STA as the leading representative body in many ways.  We have consolidated a positive, healthy and productive working relationship with both governments and expanded our network and reach throughout the crisis, working relentlessly to do all we can to stablise and strengthen the industry through our influence and relationships.”

“While there are opportunities on the horizon, right now many of our member businesses are running on vapours; recovery is simply not happening as quickly as we need it to.  It is now critical that all politicians recognise that a healthy, sustainable tourism industry is a key part in the engine of any economic strategy.”

“Our economy is teetering on the brink of recession; both the Scottish and UK Governments must give very careful consideration to any policies which could harm and curtail Scotland’s global competitiveness and our ability to deliver the tourism strategy ambition.  Tourism can and will deliver for Scotland’s economy; it is a significant, if not the largest export earner and if supported through effective policies, will deliver prosperity for Scotland, our people and future generations.”

Stephen Leckie, STA Chair and owner of Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels said:

“The STA wouldn’t be here today were it not for the hard work, dedication and resilience of our member businesses and Patrons.  I must also acknowledge the extraordinary contributions and generous amounts of time given by the STA Board, Council, team and Chief Executive in building the organisation we have today.  It has been an intensely challenging journey, even prior to the pandemic, however the STA has demonstrated its exemplary role in leading and supporting the industry through so many challenges over the last 10 years.”

“When the Scottish Tourism Forum evolved into the STA 10 years ago, we had 65 members and a turnout of just 60 at our inaugural conference.  Today we now have a reach of around 70% into the tourism industry, touching more than 10,000 businesses across all sectors of tourism, with average of 600 attending our annual conferences in person.”

“The STA has turned the tide on many areas of policy which would have resulted in the closure of hundreds of businesses across Scotland at various points over the last two years and we continue to campaign on behalf of all businesses within the sector to ensure that Scotland has an outstanding tourism product.”

“During the pandemic the STA was recognised by the Scottish Government as one of Scotland’s foremost business organisations and I must thank Marc and his team for their talent, skill and hard work in creating and maintaining this profile as we mark our 10^th anniversary today.”

Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland said: “I would like to congratulate the Scottish Tourism Alliance on this important milestone and wish them well for the next 10 years. Marc and his dedicated team at STA have played a vital role in the last two years, alongside VisitScotland and partners in the Scottish Tourism Emergency Response Group, to secure the help needed to support Scotland’s tourism industry throughout its most challenging period.”

“Given the well-documented challenges facing the industry, there’s still a tremendous amount of work to be done to rebuild this vital part of Scotland’s economy and we look forward to continuing to work together to deliver the ambition of Outlook 2030, for Scotland to be a world leader in 21st century tourism.”

-ENDS-

Notes for Editors:

1. Image captions, left to right: Stephen Leckie – STA Chair and Owner of Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels, Kate Forbes MSP – Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy, Marc Crothall – Chief Executive of the STA
2. Interviews available on request.
3. Press images are here.
4. The STA is the acknowledged representative body for all sectors within Scotland’s tourism industry.
5. It comprises over 250 trade associations, businesses, destination groups and other organisations with an interest in tourism.
6. The organisation is able to offer the best possible representation of the issues and challenges faced by Scotland’s tourism industry through continuous engagement with more than 70% of tourism businesses in Scotland.
7. Its membership is spread across all regions and destinations in Scotland.
8. The STA is governed by a Board with representation from all sectors within Scotland’s tourism industry.
9. Scotland’s Tourism Strategy, Outlook 2030 was launched in March 2020. More than 2500 tourism leaders and stakeholders from Scotland’s tourism industry contributed to its development through dedicated events, workshops and an online survey.  The strategy is reflective of the changing world we live in, our new mindset and approach to how we live and work and represents the beginning of a bold new approach putting our communities, our people, our visitors, our businesses and our environment at the heart of everything we do.