The STA is the largest member organisation for tourism businesses in Scotland and the leading representative body for its tourism and hospitality industry.
We are recognised as the foremost trade body in Scotland’s tourism industry due to our continued growth, reach, strength of voice and having built a strong position of influence in our relationships with the Scottish and UK governments, senior policy makers and civil servants over many years.
We represent the varied interests of Scotland’s tourism sector, from hotels, self-catering properties, B&Bs, caravan parks and hostels to restaurants, pubs, clubs, leisure clubs, visitor attractions, tour operators, destination groups, academic institutions, and business in the sector supply chain.
The STA is a valued, trusted partner to many hundreds of tourism businesses all over the country; we now have circa 70% of Scotland’s 16,000 tourism business connected to us directly or indirectly through association membership.
Being a member of the STA offers your business representation at the highest level, it gives you the opportunity to be part of a large and growing community and receive support, information and advice not only from us but through a direct connection with Scotland’s largest network of tourism businesses and our Patrons and Supporters.
What can you expect from your membership?
REPRESENTATION
Our main focus is to shape and influence supportive policy to create better conditions for your business and our industry to grow. We represent your voice through regular dialogue and engagement directly with Scottish Government, Cabinet Secretaries, Ministers and senior policy advisers.
Your views and evidence in relation to your business performance, issues you experience and your concerns are shared at the highest level, frequently.
Our agenda is firmly focused around creating opportunities for positive policy change to support the competitiveness and sustainability of Scotland’s tourism industry and to create the best possible conditions for businesses to grow.
INSIGHTS & INFORMATION
As the leadership body for Scotland’s tourism industry, our businesses look to the STA for up-to-date information, insights, support and advice. We provide members with up-to-the-minute industry news, insights, guidance, best practice case studies, opinion pieces, business advice and information to help you navigate your way through the Covid-19 crisis and towards recovery.
The STA continues to scan for information, advice and support, early each morning into the evenings to ensure that you have the most up-to-date, reliable information to help you to run your business in these challenging times.
NETWORKING AND EVENTS
The world of events has changed in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, however the STA continues to plan events which will deliver all the insights, latest tourism trends and networking opportunities you may be missing at the moment.
Our flagship event, Scottish Tourism Month (STM) takes place each March. The aim is to engage, connect and inspire Scotland’s tourism businesses and organisations. The STA Annual Autumn Conference takes place each October; both events are a ‘do not miss’ for the industry.
We also stage a number of smaller events, round table meetings and social events all over Scotland throughout the year and as part of our annual events which are exclusively for members.
Direct members will receive discounted tickets to attend STA events.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
As a member, you’ll occasionally receive discounts on a range of professional services provided by suppliers that we’ve chosen on the basis of their knowledge and professional expertise and understanding of Scotland’s tourism industry and the issues we face. We are working with a range of partners at the moment to refresh our offers to make them more relevant for your business during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The STA has a wide range of stakeholders, all who have a vested interest in tourism, many are established suppliers to our industry; organisations who have a depth of understanding of the issues experienced by all sectors within the tourism industry and we are delighted to promote their services to the membership in return for their support of us.
Become part of the STA community today
You can join the STA online today – this is your quickest way of connecting with us. Once your application has been submitted, we will be in touch to let you know how to tap into our benefits and services without delay.
If you would prefer to complete your application by email, by post or if you would like to chat to us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team at mail@stalliance.co.uk.