A statement from the Scottish Tourism Alliance following the results of the Brexit Referendum.
“The STA has remained neutral on the issue of whether or not the UK remains a member of the European Union. As a member association, we acknowledge that the views of our members differ on this issue and it is therefore right that the STA has not expressed a view one way or the other in the lead up to the referendum.
However, we have publicised the concerns of the hospitality, leisure and transport industries which have been identified as being the most exposed to the negative economic consequences of a Brexit. We are disappointed that the UK has voted to leave the European Union, despite the overwhelming strength of feeling that Scotland has shown in its wish to remain. The outcome will undoubtedly present additional challenges to the Scottish tourism industry when we already struggle to remain as competitive as the rest of the world as a destination.
One period of uncertainty is now over and we must now look ahead to collaborating with our industry partners and working with Scottish Government and Westminster to secure the best possible trading and economic environment to protect the future of what has been recognised as ‘the most important industry in Scotland’.
As the UK government begins the process of extricating the country from the European Union, we will receive further clarity on the unknowns which have caused significant concern for our tourism industry. We must retain our resilience, which our industry is known to do in all economically challenging and uncertain periods and look to working more collaboratively as an industry to build Scottish tourism’s future.
The STA has had many positive discussions with the Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs over the last month and we look forward to further engagement with Scottish Government around how we can best deliver these quality, authentic, memorable experiences to all who visit Scotland, as we reflect and move on from this event.”
24th June 2016
The ASSC will continue to work closely with the STA and other partners to do all we can to support our members and the industry.