Yesterday, the Visitor Levy Bill was passed allowing councils the power to introduce a levy or tourist tax.

'This is an important moment for Scotland’s hospitality and tourism sector', says Executive Director Leon Thompson.

Read our full response 👇
ukhospitality.org.uk/vote-confirms-…

Yesterday councils in Scotland were given the power to introduce a Visitor Levy, if they choose to. In the legislation:
💥Retention of 18 month implementation period
💥Levy Forums, with our businesses involved, must be consulted.
💥National exemption for disabled people added

With final voting on the Visitor Levy Bill this afternoon at Holyrood, it is vital that the 18 month preparation period is maintained. Local authorities and businesses will need this time to get the introduction right. Daniel Johnson MSP Tom Arthur Murdo Fraser Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP🔶🇺🇦

A glorious morning in Glasgow. First Minister John Swinney making a speech Barclays UK Glasgow campus shortly on the economy. We’re hoping to hear positivity on the role of hospitality in helping drive investment and economic growth across the country.

📣Registration for tomorrow’s free webinar closes tonight at 9pm⏰

Book now to access information and actionable advice on navigating COVID-19 business interruption claims for Scotland’s tourism and hospitality industry 👉tinyurl.com/yc592za4

Our joint survey revealed the clear desire from businesses to invest, but it also showed the challenges around rising wage bills, food and drink costs and disproportionately high taxation in relation to other sectors.

Find the full survey results here 👉 bit.ly/3QJ6mnB

Congratulations to John Swinney on being appointed as First Minister.

“I hope the FM takes advantage of this moment to start afresh with businesses, who feel they have not been listened to or properly valued in recent years', says Leon Thompson.
ukhospitality.org.uk/first-minister…

“The next leader of the Scottish Government needs to recognise hospitality and tourism as the economic giant and vital partner it is.'

Thanks Scott Wright for featuring Leon Thompson's thoughts on what hospitality needs to see from the next FM.
heraldscotland.com/news/24292057.…

Don’t forget to get your application in. The Thistles are so important for shining a light on our outstanding hospitality and tourism businesses. It’s always great to see our members taking part. 👇👇👇

Thank you to Rachael Hamilton MSP (Rachael Hamilton MSP Scottish Borders) for attending our networking event this week at Brewhemia.

Hospitality serves Scotland fantastic food, drink and experiences, and contributes almost £8 billion to the Scottish economy employing nearly 300,000 people.

Plans to expand SEC would be good news for Glasgow and hospitality businesses across the city. Our Executive Director Leon Thompson comments. 👇

UKHospitality Scotland Chair, ⁦Chris Wayne - Wills⁩ setting out the essential role of hospitality investment in revitalising communities and local economies. ⁦SLTN⁩ ⁦Crerar Hotels⁩ sltn.co.uk/2024/04/06/inv…

A reminder of what’s not happening in Scotland ⁦First Minister⁩ ⁦Scottish Government Finance and Economy⁩ . Vital support for our businesses thrown away. ⁦The SLTA⁩ ⁦Stephen Montgomery #SHG⁩ ⁦Night Time Industries Association⁩ ⁦Scottish Beer & Pub Association⁩ ⁦Donald C MacLeod MBE⁩ linkedin.com/posts/hm-treas…

Calorie labelling can have negative consequences for people with eating disorders, Public Health Scotland found.

“The Scottish Gov't must now factor in these findings... and reconsider its proposals to introduce mandatory calorie labelling' says Leon Thompson. ukhospitality.org.uk/review-calorie…

Deposit return scheme is delayed again — to 2027.

thetimes.co.uk/article/9aed35…

The Circular Economy Bill shows that the Scottish Government hasn't learnt from its previous mistakes of introducing legislation missing essential details, says Executive Director Leon Thompson.

Read our full response👇
ukhospitality.org.uk/scottish-gover…

UKH Scotland is pleased to be a member of this important inquiry. It’s essential that the report recognises the contribution our sector plays in delivering good jobs and exciting careers. Positive recommendations can support further adoption of FW principles.

An important meeting with Daniel Johnson MSP at Holyrood today. Our Executive Director Leon Thompson, alongside other leading trade association representatives, setting out the fiscal and regulatory landscape needed to encourage economic growth and investment.

We're urging the Scottish Government to use the £300m in additional funding announced in today's Budget to introduce business rates relief for hospitality in Scotland.

Read our full response to today's announcement here 👇 Leon Thompson
ukhospitality.org.uk/use-extra-300m…

One week today we kick off in Aberdeen with the - #STM24 Flagship event the #SignatureConf - still a few days left to secure your ticket DONT DELAY BOOK TODAY VisitScotland News ASSC News HIT Scotland UKHospitality Scotland ASVA