After several extremely buoyant years for tourism in Scotland, the latest figures from VisitScotland are concerning:
As a sector, we have continued to face significant regulatory threats, which have been both time-consuming and challenging, including:
In all determinations, we believe that policymakers/regulators should make informed decisions using accurate and evidence-based data, as opposed to relying on perception, anecdote or flawed studies designed to meet agenda-based policy outcomes.
To that end, we commissioned an independent report to investigate the various criticisms of the STR sector and to demonstrate the sector’s impact on key areas. Our Far More than Just Housesprovides evidence that:
Let’s also not forget the findings of our economic impact study commissioned in 2017, which clearly shows the huge benefit of our sector to the Scottish economy.
Touching on some of the bad press generated by our friends over at Airbnb (other platforms are, of course, available – but nobody seems to realise!), the reality of the big bad wolf that is Airbnbis that:
Despite all of this, the self-catering / short-term let sector continues to be blamed for all of societies woes…..
Over the last year, we have again consistently responded with positive news pieces met with local authorities and MSPs to set the record straight.
In February, we published The Long-Term Approach to Short-Term Letting, providing a solution to the perceived problem of STR impacting on housing stock in certain areas.
Read More: CEOs Report 2019
Fiona Campbell
Chief Executive