Abta has warned that the trade is “not out of the woods yet” while welcoming a £3.5 million fresh Scottish government support package for travel agents.
A further £7.5 million is being allocated to inbound operators in Scotland and £3 million set aside to improve footfall in city centres.
The travel association’s public affairs director Luke Petherbridge said: “We’re pleased to see that the Scottish government has confirmed further financial support for travel companies.
“Abta and individual members, as well as industry partners, have been lobbying to secure this additional money for a number of weeks and it is welcome that ministers have now recognised the detrimental impact that Omicron travel restrictions had on businesses in our sector.
“Abta will work closely with officials and industry partners to seek a scheme structure that supports as many travel businesses as possible, and we’ll be working hard to provide evidence and share expertise over the coming days.
“Abta’s lobbying is also focused on ensuring future travel rules provide the stability required to rebuild confidence and get people travelling again in greater numbers, and we’ll continue to make that case to governments across all parts of the UK.
“This news is very welcome, but we’re not out of the woods yet and we’ll continue to work hard to represent Abta member interests over the weeks and months ahead.”
Murray Burnett, managing director of Aberdeen-based independent TMC Munro’s Travel, said: “Few sectors suffered as much financially as the outbound travel industry during the last two years.
“Whilst we were able to trade throughout this period as our work focuses on moving essential workers for the oil, gas, energy and marine sectors and not leisure travel, we know what a traumatic time it has been for travel agents across Scotland.
“News of this £3.5 million support for our colleagues across the country is very much welcomed.
“In more than 100 years, Munro’s has lived through tough travel times including wars, terrorism and ash clouds, but nothing in our past could ever have prepared us for the challenges which Covid brought.
“I am delighted to see my industry given this level of support by the Scottish government.”