The Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) and the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association (SPAA) have formed a new alliance, bringing together their combined expertise, networks, and influence to strengthen the voice of Scotland’s travel industry both here at home and abroad.
The new partnership will focus on three objectives including: strengthening the voice of Scottish business – ensuring the travel sector’s needs are clearly heard by government and global partners: providing collective business leadership – bringing together a united front in addressing the industry’s biggest challenges and aligning priorities ahead of the Scottish election – combining efforts to influence future policy and shape
a pro-growth, pro-business agenda for Scotland.
Dr Liz Cameron CBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, comments: “This partnership marks a defining moment in how we champion Scotland’s industries. Our alliance with the SPAA sends a clear signal that Scottish business is stepping up, united and ready to lead.
“We have had a close relationship with SPAA over many years, with their current president Jacqueline Dobson also serving on the SCC board.”
Jacqueline Dobson, President of SPAA and President of the Barrhead Travel Group, said: “As the voice of Scotland’s travel profession, we know the power of collaboration. By formalising our partnership with SCC, we’re taking a proactive, ambitious approach to influence the decisions that shape our sector’s future – from regulation and legislation to commercial growth.”
The alliance will focus on addressing key policy concerns, including the exclusion of high street travel agencies from 40% rate relief, the potential introduction of a cruise ship levy, rising Air Passenger Duty, and the shortcomings of the Scottish Apprenticeship Levy in delivering skills for the future.
