STA Statement: The Scottish Tourism Alliance responds to the results of the 2024 UK General Election
Following the announcement (Friday 5th July) of the 2024 General Election results, Marc Crothall MBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA), commented:
“The Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA), the largest member organisation and leading representative body and voice for Scotland’s tourism and hospitality industry, extends its congratulations to the newly elected Prime Minister and UK Government.
The STA considers this a pivotal moment, with an opportunity to reset relations between Holyrood and Westminster, further strengthening collaboration as we collectively work to support Scotland in its mission to become a leader in 21st century tourism.
Labour’s manifesto commitment to reform the Scotland Office to champion Scotland at home and abroad under ‘Brand Scotland’ is very much welcomed and will be integral in growing the visitor economy as well as achieving the ambitions of our national tourism strategy, Scotland Outlook 2030.
We’re also encouraged to hear support from the Scottish Labour Deputy Leader, Jackie Baillie, for a ‘Scottish visa’ that takes into consideration the country’s unique geography and circumstances, particularly in our rural and island communities that year-on-year struggle to attract and retain tourism and hospitality workers. We have long championed a Scottish visa and will be looking to the new UK Government to make this a priority.
We look forward to working with all elected MPs in Scotland, as well as continuing our ongoing engagement with MSPs across all parties, to grow and elevate the valuable role that tourism and hospitality plays as an economic driver and key export industry in the UK.”
