The Scottish Tourism Alliance's (STA) policy agenda is focused on informing key stakeholders of the need for support whilst driving positive policy changes to create the best conditions for the sector to survive, thrive and grow.
The STA is committed to representing the tourism and hospitality industry at the highest levels, with a strong position of influence in our relationships and regular engagement directly with Scottish and UK Governments, senior policy makers and civil servants.
The Scottish Tourism Alliance Policy Agenda 2024 – 2028 can be viewed here >
STA Holyrood Election Manifesto – view here>
STA First 100 Days of Scottish Parliament Document – view here >
The Scottish Tourism Alliance Tourism and Hospitality Statistics Fact Sheet can be viewed here >
A record of our policy activity, and relevant documents, are also included below.
KEY POLICY AREAS
VISITOR LEVY
JOINT STATEMENT FROM SCOTTISH TOURISM ALLIANCE AND ASSOCIATION OF SCOTLAND’S SELF-CATERERS ON VISITOR LEVY (AMENDMENT) (SCOTLAND) BILL PASSING
Read statement here>
VISITOR LEVY (AMENDMENT) (SCOTLAND) BILL STAGE 3 VOTE (24 MARCH 2026) OFFICIAL REPORT
Read the minutes here >
VISITOR LEVY (AMENDMENT) (SCOTLAND) BILL STAGE 3 DEBATE (19 MARCH 2026) OFFICIAL REPORT
Read the minutes here >
VISITOR LEVY (AMENDMENT) (SCOTLAND) BILL STAGE 2 COMMITTEE VOTE (4 MARCH 2025) OFFICIAL REPORT
Read the report here >
VISITOR LEVY (AMENDMENT) (SCOTLAND) BILL STAGE 1 DEBATE (19 FEBRUARY 2026) OFFICIAL REPORT
Read the minutes here >
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO VISITOR LEVY (AMENDMENT) (SCOTLAND) BILL STAGE 1 REPORT (17 FEBRUARY 2026)
Read the response here>
VISITOR LEVY (AMENDMENT) (SCOTLAND) BILL COMMITTEE STAGE 1 REPORT (11 FEBRUARY 2026)
Read the report here >
LOCAL GOVERNMENT, HOUSING AND PLANNING COMMITTEE – CALL FOR VIEWS ON THE VISITOR LEVY (AMENDMENT) (SCOTLAND) BILL: SCOTTISH TOURISM ALLIANCE AND ASSOCIATION OF SCOTLAND’S SELF-CATERERS SUPPLEMENTARY WRITTEN EVIDENCE (29 JANUARY 2026)
Read the submission here >
LOCAL GOVERNMENT, HOUSING AND PLANNING COMMITTEE – CALL FOR VIEWS ON THE VISITOR LEVY (AMENDMENT) (SCOTLAND) BILL: SCOTTISH TOURISM ALLIANCE AND ASSOCIATION OF SCOTLAND’S SELF-CATERERS DETAILED RESPONSE (21 JANUARY 2026)
Read the submission here >
‘A VISITOR LEVY THAT IS FIT FOR PURPOSE’: AN OPEN LETTER TO SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT EXPRESSING CONCERNS OVER THE VISITOR LEVY IN ITS CURRENT FORM | MAY 2025
STA PROPOSAL: STRENGTHENING SCOTLAND’S VISITOR LEVY FRAMEWORK
Read the proposal here>
STA VISITOR LEVY – UPDATED POLICY POSITION
VISITOR LEVY GUIDANCE
Statutory guidance for local authorities and information on how the scheme might impact businesses.
Read the guidance here>
VISITOR LEVY (SCOTLAND) ACT 2024 (COMMENCEMENT) REGULATIONS 2024
Read the regulations here>
VISITOR LEVY (SCOTLAND) BILL STAGE 3 VOTE (28 MAY 2024) OFFICIAL REPORT
Read the minutes here >
VISITOR LEVY (SCOTLAND) BILL AS AMENDED AT STAGE 2
Read the bill here >
VISITOR LEVY (SCOTLAND) BILL STAGE 2 COMMITTEE VOTE (12 MARCH 2024) OFFICIAL REPORT
Read the report here >
VISITOR LEVY (SCOTLAND) BILL STAGE 1 DEBATE (16 JANUARY 2024) SUMMARY
Read the summary here >
LOCAL GOVERNMENT, HOUSING AND PLANNING COMMITTEE – CALL FOR VIEWS ON THE VISITOR LEVY (SCOTLAND) BILL: SCOTTISH TOURISM ALLIANCE DETAILED RESPONSE
Read the submission here >
FINANCE AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE – CALL FOR VIEWS ON THE VISITOR LEVY (SCOTLAND) BILL FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM: SCOTTISH TOURISM ALLIANCE SUBMISSION
Read the submission here >
VISITOR LEVY (SCOTLAND) BILL CONSULTATION: SCOTTISH TOURISM ALLIANCE RESPONSE GUIDE FOR INDUSTRY
Read the Guide here >
SCOTTISH TOURISM ALLIANCE LOCAL VISITOR LEVY MANIFESTO WITH RECOMMENDATIONS
Read the Manifesto here >
VISITOR LEVY (SCOTLAND) BILL
Read the bill here >
CALL FOR VIEWS ON THE VISITOR LEVY (SCOTLAND) BILL AT STAGE 1 (SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT LOCAL GOVERNMENT, HOUSING AND PLANNING COMMITTEE)
Find out more here >
SHORT-TERM LET LICENSING SCHEME
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT UPDATED SHORT-TERM LET GUIDANCE
Read the guidance and The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterer’s response here>
WRITTEN EVIDENCE TO THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT LOCAL GOVERNMENT, HOUSING AND PLANNING COMMITTEE ON TECHNICAL UPDATES TO THE SHORT-TERM LET LICENSING SCHEME | MAY 2024
Read the submission here >
INFORMATION & RESOURCES FOR BUSINESS:
The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) >
VisitScotland >
ALCOHOL ADVERTISING & PROMOTION
SCOTTISH TOURISM ALLIANCE RESPONSE TO THE CONSULTATION ON RESTRICTING ALCOHOL ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION | MARCH 2023
Read the submission here >
AN OPEN LETTER TO SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT TO HALT THE PROPOSED BAN ON ALCOHOL ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION | FEBRUARY 2023
Read the submission here >
INFORMATION & RESOURCES FOR BUSINESS:
The Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership (SAIP) >
CONSULTATION RESPONSES
HIGHLAND COUNCIL PLANNING CONTROL AREA CONSULTATIONS: SCOTTISH TOURISM ALLIANCE ONLINE SUBMISSION | 25 MAY 2026
Read the submission here>
UK GOVERNMENT VISITOR LEVY CONSULTATION – A CONSULTATION ON THE DESIGN OF A NEW MAYORAL POWER TO CREATE VISITOR LEVIES ON OVERNIGHT STAYS IN ENGLAND: SCOTTISH TOURISM ALLIANCE LETTER
Read the letter here>
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT CONSULATATION ON DELIVERING SCOTLAND’S AIR DEPARTURE TAX: SCOTTISH TOURISM ALLIANCE SUBMISSION | 26 MARCH 2026
Read the submission here >
STIRLING VISITOR LEVY FORMAL CONSULTATION: SCOTTISH TOURISM ALLIANCE SUBMISSION | OCTOBER 2025
Read the submission here >
WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE VISITOR LEVY FORMAL CONSULTATION: SCOTTISH TOURISM ALLIANCE SUBMISSION | OCTOBER 2025
Read the submission here >
ABERDEEN VISITOR LEVY FORMAL CONSULTATION: SCOTTISH TOURISM ALLIANCE SUBMISSION | JULY 2025
Read the submission here >
GLASGOW COUNCIL’S VISITOR LEVY FORMAL CONSULTATION: SCOTTISH TOURISM ALLIANCE SUBMISSION | JUNE 2025
Read the submission here >
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT CONSULTATION ON A POTENTIAL LOCAL AUTHORITY CRUISE SHIP LEVY IN SCOTLAND: SCOTTISH TOURISM ALLIANCE SUBMISSION | MAY 2025
Read the submission here >
ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL’S VISITOR LEVY CONSULTATION: SCOTTISH TOURISM ALLIANCE SUBMISSION | APRIL 2025
Read the submission here >
HIGHLAND COUNCIL’S VISITOR LEVY ONLINE CONSULTATION: SCOTTISH TOURISM ALLIANCE ONLINE SUBMISSION | MARCH 2025
Read the submission here >
ECONOMY AND FAIR WORK COMMITTEE SCRUTINY OF THE NEW DEAL FOR BUSINESS: SCOTTISH TOURISM ALLIANCE SUBMISSION | FEBRUARY 2025
Read the submission here >
CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCIL’S VISITOR LEVY ONLINE CONSULTATION: SCOTTISH TOURISM ALLIANCE SUBMISSION | DECEMBER 2024
Read the submission here >
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT CONSULTATION ON ISLANDS CONNECTIVITY PLAN: SCOTTISH TOURISM ALLIANCE SUBMISSION | MAY 2024
Read the submission here >
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT CONSULTATION ON NATIONAL GOOD FOOD NATION PLAN: SCOTTISH TOURISM ALLIANCE SUBMISSION | APRIL 2024
Read the submission here >
HOUSE OF COMMONS SCOTTISH AFFAIRS COMMITTEE – CALL FOR VIEWS ON THE PUNCTUALITY OF FLIGHTS BETWEEN SCOTLAND AND LONDON: SCOTTISH TOURISM ALLIANCE RESPONSE | OCTOBER 2023
Read the response here >
LOCAL GOVERNMENT, HOUSING AND PLANNING COMMITTEE – CALL FOR VIEWS ON THE VISITOR LEVY (SCOTLAND) BILL: SCOTTISH TOURISM ALLIANCE DETAILED RESPONSE | SEPTEMBER 2023
Read the submission here >
FINANCE AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE – CALL FOR VIEWS ON THE VISITOR LEVY (SCOTLAND) BILL FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM: SCOTTISH TOURISM ALLIANCE SUBMISSION | SEPTEMBER 2023
Read the submission here >
NET ZERO, ENERGY AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE CALL FOR VIEWS ON CIRCULAR ECONOMY (SCOTLAND) BILL | SEPTEMBER 2023
Read the submission here >
CONSULTATION ON SECOND, EMPTY HOMES & NON-DOMESTIC RATES | JULY 2023
Read the submission here >
NATIONAL EVENTS STRATEGY REVIEW | JUNE 2023
Read the submission here >
CONSULTATION ON NATIONAL OUTCOMES REVIEW | JUNE 2023
Read the submission here >
SCOTTISH TOURISM ALLIANCE STATEMENT OF SUPPORT – SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT SHORTAGE OCCUPATION LIST REVIEW SUBMISSION | MAY 2023
Read the statement here >
CONSULTATION ON HIGHLY PROTECTED MARINE AREAS | APRIL 2023
Read the submission here >
CONSULTATION ON RESTRICTING ALCOHOL ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION | MARCH 2023
Read the submission here >
PUBLICATIONS
TRADE ASSOCIATIONS’ SCOTLAND ELECTION MANIFESTO
Read the manifesto here>
SCOTTISH TOURISM ALLIANCE HOLYROOD ELECTION MANIFESTO
Read the manifesto here>
SCOTTISH TOURISM ALLIANCE PROPOSAL: STRENGTHENING SCOTLAND’S VISITOR LEVY FRAMEWORK
Read the proposal here>
SCOTTISH TOURISM ALLIANCE POLICY AGENDA 2024-2028
Read the report here >
SCOTTISH TOURISM ALLIANCE QUARTERLY INDUSTRY SURVEY: AUTUMN – KEY FINDINGS | OCTOBER 2023
Read the report here >
VISITOR LEVY (SCOTLAND) BILL CONSULTATION: SCOTTISH TOURISM ALLIANCE RESPONSE GUIDE FOR INDUSTRY
Read the Guide here >
NEW DEAL FOR BUSINESS GROUP: PROGRESS REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS | JUNE 2023
Read the report here >
SCOTTISH TOURISM ALLIANCE QUARTERLY INDUSTRY SURVEY: MAY – JUNE – KEY FINDINGS | JUNE 2023
Read the report here >
SCOTTISH TOURISM ALLIANCE BUSINESS BAROMETER & ENERGY SURVEY – KEY FINDINGS | FEBRUARY 2023
Read the report here >
SCOTTISH TOURISM ALLIANCE LOCAL VISITOR LEVY MANIFESTO WITH RECOMMENDATIONS | JANUARY 2023
Read the Manifesto here >
RECOVERY OF SCOTLAND’S TOURISM SECTOR SURVEY – KEY FINDINGS | JUNE 2022
Read the report here >
TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY FINANCIAL IMPACT SURVEY – KEY FINDINGS | JANUARY 2022
Read the report here >
BRIEFINGS
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT BUDGET 2026-27 | JANUARY 2026
STA headlines for Business >
Full Budget document >
UK GOVERNMENT AUTUMN BUDGET STATEMENT | NOVEMBER 2025
Key headlines for Scotland >
Full Budget document >
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT’S PROGRAMME FOR GOVERNMENT 2025-26 | MAY 2025
Key headlines for tourism and business >
Full document >
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT BUDGET 2025-2026 STATEMENT| DECEMBER 2024
Key headlines for tourism and business >
Full statement >
UK GOVERNMENT AUTUMN BUDGET STATEMENT| NOVEMBER 2024
Key headlines for Scotland >
Full Budget document >
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT’S PROGRAMME FOR GOVERNMENT 2024-25 | SEPTEMBER 2024
Key headlines for tourism and business >
Full document>
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT BUDGET 2024-2025 STATEMENT| DECEMBER 2023
Key headlines for tourism and business >
Full statement >
UK GOVERNMENT AUTUMN BUDGET STATEMENT| NOVEMBER 2023
Key headlines for tourism and business >
Full statement >
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT’S PROGRAMME FOR GOVERNMENT 2023-24 | SEPTEMBER 2023
Key headlines for tourism and business >
Full document>
FIRST MINISTER’S POLICY STATEMENT | APRIL 2023
Key headlines for tourism and business >
Policy vision document – ‘Equality, opportunity, community: New leadership – A fresh start’ >
UK GOVERNMENT SPRING BUDGET 2023 STATEMENT | MARCH 2023
Key headlines for tourism and business >
Full statement >
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT BUDGET 2023-24 | DECEMBER 2022
Key headlines for tourism and business >
Full statement >
UK GOVERNMENT AUTUMN BUDGET STATEMENT| NOVEMBER 2022
Key headlines for tourism and business >
Full statement >
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT EMERGENCY BUDGET REVIEW | NOVEMBER 2022
Key headlines for tourism and business >
PARLIAMENT EVIDENCE
WRITTEN EVIDENCE TO THE UK CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT COMMITTEE INQUIRY ON TOURISM |18 MAY 2026
Read the written evidence here >
LOCAL GOVERNMENT, HOUSING AND PLANNING COMMITTEE – CALL FOR VIEWS ON THE VISITOR LEVY (AMENDMENT) (SCOTLAND) BILL: SCOTTISH TOURISM ALLIANCE AND ASSOCIATION OF SCOTLAND’S SELF-CATERERS SUPPLEMENTARY WRITTEN EVIDENCE | 29 JANUARY 2026
Read the submission here >
LOCAL GOVERNMENT, HOUSING AND PLANNING COMMITTEE – CALL FOR VIEWS ON THE VISITOR LEVY (AMENDMENT) (SCOTLAND) BILL: SCOTTISH TOURISM ALLIANCE AND ASSOCIATION OF SCOTLAND’S SELF-CATERERS DETAILED RESPONSE | 21 JANUARY 2026
Read the submission here >
STA SUBMISSION TO SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT’S LOCAL GOVERNMENT, HOUSING AND PLANNING COMMITTEE ON SHORT-TERM LET LICENSING IMPLEMENTATION UPDATE REPORT 2024 | OCTOBER 2024
Read the submission here >
RESPONSE TO THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT CITIZEN PARTICIPATION AND PETITIONS COMMITTEE ON PE2056: INTRODUCE LEGISLATION ALLOWING SCOTTISH MINISTERS TO INTERVENE ON THE HIRE OF PUBLIC LAND | JUNE 2024
Read the submission here >
WRITTEN EVIDENCE TO THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT LOCAL GOVERNMENT, HOUSING AND PLANNING COMMITTEE ON TECHNICAL UPDATES TO THE SHORT-TERM LET LICENSING SCHEME | MAY 2024
Read the submission here >
EVIDENCE TO THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT ECONOMY AND FAIR WORK COMMITTEE ON THE DRAFT BUDGET | JANUARY 2024
Evidence session video >
EVIDENCE TO THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT LOCAL GOVERNMENT, HOUSING AND PLANNING COMMITTEE ON THE VISITOR LEVY (SCOTLAND) BILL | NOVEMBER 2023
Summary of the evidence session >
Evidence session video >
EVIDENCE TO THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT ECONOMY AND FAIR WORK COMMITTEE ON THE PRE-BUDGET | OCTOBER 2022
Summary of the evidence session >
Evidence session video >
JOINT RESPONSES
REPRESENTATIVE BODIES AND BUSINESSES URGE REVERSING PLANNED INCREASES TO VISAS AND ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORISATION | FEBRUARY 2026
Read the letter here>
CALL FOR PERMANENT BUSINESS RATES DISCOUNT FOR RETAIL, HOSPITALITY AND LEISURE | DECEMBER 2025
Read the letter here>
TOURISM ORGANISATIONS WARN OF SEVERE FINANCIAL AND MENTAL HEALTH PRESSURES ON MICRO BUSINESSES AS DRAFT 2026 RATES REVALUATION SPARKS GROWING CONCERN ACROSS SCOTLAND | DECEMBER 2025
Read the letter here>
‘A VISITOR LEVY THAT IS FIT FOR PURPOSE’: AN OPEN LETTER TO SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT EXPRESSING CONCERNS OVER THE VISITOR LEVY IN ITS CURRENT FORM | MAY 2025
Read the letter here >
AN OPEN LETTER TO SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT TO HALT THE PROPOSED BAN ON ALCOHOL ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION | FEBRUARY 2023
Read the letter here >
BUSINESS BODIES UNITE TO CALL FOR RATES FREEZE | NOVEMBER 2022
Read the letter here >
AN OPEN LETTER TO SCOTLAND’S YOUNG PEOPLE | AUGUST 2022
Read the letter here >
BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS
STA PRIORITY ASKS FOR THE 2025-26 SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT BUDGET | NOVEMBER 2024
Read the submission here >
STA RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE UK GOVERNMENT AUTUMN 2024 BUDGET AND NEXT SPENDING REVIEW
Read the submission here >
STA RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE UK GOVERNMENT SPRING 2024 BUDGET | JANUARY 2024
Read the submission here >
STA RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE 2024-25 SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT BUDGET | NOVEMBER 2023
Read the submission here >
STA RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE UK GOVERNMENT AUTUMN 2023 BUDGET | OCTOBER 2023
Read the submission here >
STA RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE UK GOVERNMENT SPRING 2023 BUDGET | FEBRUARY 2023
Read the submission here >
STA RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE UK GOVERNMENT AUTUMN 2022 BUDGET | NOVEMBER 2022
Read the submission here >
STA RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE 2023-24 SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT BUDGET | SEPTEMBER 2022
Read the submission here >
PRESS STATEMENTS
STA REACTION: TOURISM INDUSTRY WELCOMEN PASSAGE OF VISITOR LEVY (AMENDMENT) BILL AT STAGE 3 | MARCH 2026
Read the reaction here >
STA STATEMENT: TORUISM INDUSTRY PRESSES PARTIES ON MANIFESTO COMMITMENTS AHEAD OG HOLYROOD VOTE | FEBRUARY 2026
Read the response here >
STA REACTION: SCOTLAND’S TOURISM INDUSTRY WARNS SCOTTISH BUDGET STILL RAISES SERIOUS CONCERNS FOR ECONOMY | JANUARY 2026
Read the reaction here >
STA REACTION: UK BUDGET ‘MAJOR SETBACK’ FOR SCOTTISH TOURISM | NOVEMBER 2025
Read the reaction here >
STA STATEMENT: TOURISM LEADERS CALL FOR URGENT REFORM OF UNWORABLE VISITOR LEVY | OCTOBER 2025
Read the response here >
STA STATEMENT: STA SETS OUT THREE KEY ECONOMIC ASKS FOR SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT AHEAD OF SNP CONFERENCE | OCTOBER 2025
Read the response here >
STA REACTION: CRITICISES EDINBURGH COUNCIL’S HANDLING OF VISITOR LEVY | OCTOBER 2025
Read the reaction here >
STA REACTION: SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT’S PROGRAMME FOR GOVERNMENT 2025-26 | MAY 2025
Read the reaction here >
STA RESPONDS TO SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT BUDGET STATEMENT 2023-24 | DECEMBER 2022
Read the response here >
STA RESPONSE TO UK GOVERNMENT AUTUMN BUDGET STATEMENT | NOVEMBER 2024
Read the response here >
STA STATEMENT: SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT’S PROGRAMME FOR GOVERNMENT 2024-2025 | SEPTEMBER 2024
Read the response here >
TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY BODIES RESPONSE TO SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT BUDGET 2024-2025 STATEMENT | DECEMBER 2023
Read the response here >
STA RESPONSE TO UK GOVERNMENT AUTUMN BUDGET STATEMENT | NOVEMBER 2023
Read the response here >
STA RESPONSE TO INTRODUCTION OF VISITOR LEVY (SCOTLAND) BILL TO THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT | MAY 2023
Read the response here >
STA RESPONSE TO ANNOUNCEMENT OF SNP LEADERSHIP CAMPAIGN RESULTS | MARCH 2023
Read the response here >
STA RESPONSE TO UK GOVERNMENT SPRING BUDGET 2023 STATEMENT | MARCH 2023
Read the response here >
STA STATEMENT: TOURISM INDUSTRY CALLS FOR END OF TRIPLE WHAMMY OF ANTI-BUSINESS/JOBS POLICIES | FEBRUARY 2023
Read the response here >
STA RESPONDS TO SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT BUDGET STATEMENT 2023-24 | DECEMBER 2022
Read the response here >
STA RESPONDS TO THE CHANCELLOR’S MINI-BUDGET STATEMENT | SEPTEMBER 2022
Read the response here >
STA RESPONDS TO PRIME MINISTER’S ANNOUNCEMENT ON MEASURES TO ADDRESS ENERGY COSTS | SEPTEMBER 2022
Read the response here >