SPAA forges new national business alliance to bolster voice of travel trade

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Pictured: Barrhead Travel Group’s Jacqueline Dobson and SCC’s Dr Liz Cameron

Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association has teamed up with the Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) to strengthen the voice of the travel industry at home and abroad.

The new alliance brings together combined expertise, networks and influence to champion one of Scotland’s key economic sectors.

The partnership is focused on addressing key policy concerns.

These include the exclusion of high street travel agencies from 40% rates 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.

The collaboration is founded on three objectives:

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.
Aligning priorities ahead of the Scottish election: combining efforts to influence future policy and shape a pro-growth, pro-business agenda for Scotland.

SPAA president Jacqueline Dobson, 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.

"This is about amplifying our voice at the highest levels. The decision to exclude high street travel agencies from rates relief is not just disappointing - it’s damaging.

“We face the same challenges as other sectors, and we will continue to campaign for fair, equitable support across the board."

SCC chief executive Dr Liz Cameron added: "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.

"Together, we will drive a stronger campaign to protect, promote, and grow the travel sector - a vital part of Scotland’s economy and global identity."

She noted: ”Our new alliance model will be rolled out across sectors to deliver a national blueprint for economic growth. We will ensure government listens, and that business remains at the heart of Scotland’s future success."