New National Business Alliance Launched to Champion Scotland’s Travel Industry
Two of Scotland’s most influential business organisations have come together in a first-of-its-kind strategic partnership to strengthen the voice of Scotland’s travel industry at home and abroad.
The Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) and the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association (SPAA) have formed a bold new alliance, bringing together their combined expertise, networks, and influence to champion one of Scotland’s key economic sectors.
The new alliance is founded on three clear 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.
Dr Liz Cameron CBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: “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.”
Jacqueline Dobson, President of SPAA and 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.”
The alliance is already focused on addressing key policy concerns, including 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. Jacqueline Dobson added: “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.”
Dr Cameron concluded: “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.”
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- Scottish Chambers of Commerce is Scotland’s largest business network with 30 local Chambers of Commerce comprising 12,500 members.
- The Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association is the voice of the Scottish travel profession, representing 120 member companies from both the corporate and leisure travel agencies sector including homeworkers and 102 associate members from the travel and transport industries.
