The new leader of the SNP has been urged to continue to support the outbound travel sector in Scotland.
The call to Scotland’s first minister Humza Yousaf, the successor to Nicola Sturgeon, came as ministerial appointments were poised to be made.
Scottish Passenger Agents Association vice president Jacqueline Dobson listed issues the new head of the government at Holyrood must prioritise while calling for a meeting with Yousaf.
Dobson, president of Barrhead Travel, called for a “renewed focus on investing and energising the high streets through targeted funding and initiatives”.
She said: “It is concerning that one in six retail units across Scotland’s retail network lies empty. A meaningful engagement process with business leaders of all sizes followed up with purposeful action is the first step to addressing this escalating problem.
“First on the table for discussion must be the outdated non-domestic rates system which is currently suffocating retail potential and is not fit for purpose.
“We’d also like to see improved opportunities for young people who wish to embark on an apprenticeship programme.
“The Scottish government has, unfortunately, capped the places in travel for the next academic year which does not support overall industry recovery objectives.
“It also means there are more opportunities for apprentices joining in England, creating an imbalance for both businesses and young people.”
She added: “Finally, it’s crucial that Yousaf retains engagement with the outbound travel industry. Great strides have been made in the last year with the growth of the CPG [cross party group] for aviation and tourism, but we hope that the findings of the recently published report are taken seriously.
“Outbound travel has the power to generate millions into the economy as well as positioning Scotland as an outward, global-thinking nation.
“We would welcome a meeting with Yousaf and his new cabinet, once appointed, to discuss the biggest challenges facing industries here in Scotland.”
Photo: gov.scot