The differing tourism policies of the political parties fighting the elections to the Scottish Parliament could have far-reaching implications for Scotland’s tourism industry, according to the British Hospitality Association.
The BHA plans to highlight the issues at the Scottish Hospitality Industry Congress in Edinburgh on March 1, which will be attended by representatives from the four main parties.
The chairman of the BHA’s Scottish division, Willie Wood, claimed the parties all had different attitudes to the role of the Scottish Tourist Board and the British Tourist Authority.
He said the Labour Party would retain the STB and allow the BTA to continue promoting Scotland overseas. However, under the Scottish National Party, the STB would be incorporated into the Enterprise Network.
A Come To Scotland agency would handle promotion in the UK and overseas.
The Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party would retain the STB, but it would sever links with the BTA.
Meanwhile, the Scottish Liberal Democrats are proposing to incorporate tourism into a government department handling enterprise and education. A tourism commission would be set up, and links with the BTA abandoned.
“These policies are very different and it is vital that the hospitality and tourism industry is aware of what each party is proposing,” said Wood.
The congress will take place at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre. TV presenter Kirsty Wark will be chair the debates Tickets are available at £99.88 including VAT.
For further information on the Edinburgh congress, call 0141-434 1500 .