22/11/2023

Scottish Tourism Alliance responds to UK Government Autumn Budget 2023 Statement

Commenting on the measures announced in The Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, Marc Crothall MBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Tourism Alliance said:

“The key announcement for our industry today was of course that the Chancellor will freeze the small business multiplier and extend the 75% discount for retail, hospitality and leisure for another year in England and Wales. Scotland’s business community now require the Scottish Government to urgently signal that it will mirror this support in December’s Scottish Budget announcement; this will be key to supporting the tourism, leisure, hospitality and retail sectors over the next financial year. Not doing so, as has been the case this past year, will without question see the demise of many businesses within our sector.”

“Some more good news for tourism and hospitality venues and customers with the announcement that alcohol duty will be frozen until August 2024.”

“Good news also to hear that that Scotland will receive £80M to be delivered via the Levelling Up Partnerships Programme. Continued regional investment to target support for areas including Dundee, to level up and grow their visitor offering was one of our asks of the UK Government. This is good news for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Argyll and Bute, Dundee, and the Scottish Borders which are key tourism destinations.

“However, it is disappointing that despite the asks of the Scottish Tourism Alliance and a number of industry trade bodies for a VAT reduction to at least 10% on supplies relating to hospitality, accommodation and admission to certain attractions, this was not delivered in this year’s statement. This could have created a much-needed bottom line boost for tourism and hospitality businesses, delivering benefits across the UK economy and a huge difference to these businesses, as they continue navigate the landscape of rising costs.”