The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) has commissioned Frontline Consultants to carry out a major study to measure the Economic Impact of the Self-Catering sector in Scotland.
Self-catering is one of the largest sectors in the Scottish Tourism industry, and evidence from the Great Britain Tourism Survey suggests that 9.9% of visits to Scotland stayed in self-catering accommodation.
However, we suffer from a lack of sector-specific evidence and are currently unable to place a value on the total contribution that these visitors make to employment and economic growth in Scotland.
While we have excellent relations with the UK and Scottish governments, this lack of evidence makes it difficult to represent and get full benefits and funding for our sector. It also means that, when faced with the ever present threat of increased regulation, such as the recent restrictions on self-catering accommodation in Cornwall and Berlin, we will have the research findings to hand to present an evidence based argument in our sectors interest. It will also help us to build a more collaborative self-catering industry, and to develop stronger relations with multi-national online travel agencies.
As part of the research, Frontline will be carrying out two surveys over the course of Autumn 2016, a survey of owners and managers of self-catering properties (https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ASSC-Owner-Survey) and a survey of visitors to these properties (https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ASSC-Visitor-Survey). As an incentive for participation, one participant from each survey will win £200 of John Lewis vouchers.
About the ASSC
Formed in 1976, the ASSC represents the interest of 3,000 urban and rural property owners. It provides information, help, advice and support; promotes and markets individual businesses and the sector; represents the sector at Government and other levels; maintains and develops a commitment to quality and customer service; and offers a comprehensive package of benefits to its members.
About Frontline
Frontline is Scotland’s largest home-grown consultancy, with offices in Glasgow and London. This year we celebrate our 25th anniversary.
We help people do things better. We work with organisations across the UK and Ireland in tourism, government, business, healthcare, education, local government and economic development.