ASSC Heads to Inverness to Tackle Tourism Pressures and Build Community within the Self-Catering Sector

The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) is proud to invite self-caterers to the next stop in its 2025 Regional Gathering series: “Adapting and Thriving Amidst Regulation, Tourism Trends and Economic Pressures,” taking place on Wednesday, 14th May 2025 at the Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness.

Scotland’s £1 billion self-catering industry, supporting over 29,000 jobs, is facing a defining moment. Mounting regulatory burdens — such as short-term let licensing, unfair Non-Domestic Rates removal, the rollout of Visitor Levies, and broader economic instability — have created uncertainty for thousands of tourism operators.

The ASSC Regional Gathering offers a critical platform for self-catering professionals to connect, collaborate, and help shape the future of our industry.

Event Highlights Include:

• State of the Nation – Update from Fiona Campbell, ASSC Chief Executive
  An honest and insightful overview of the current landscape for Scotland’s self-catering sector, including advocacy milestones, policy priorities, and the challenges and opportunities ahead. Fiona will address sector-defining issues such as licensing, planning reform, Non-Domestic Rates, and the Visitor Levy.

• Panel 1: Tourism Tax & Red Tape – Is Scotland Losing Its Competitive Edge?
  A timely discussion on regulation, competitiveness, and sustainability featuring industry leaders, policy makers, and tourism stakeholders. Topics will include Scotland’s growing regulatory burden, including the implications of Non-Domestic Rates and Local Visitor Levies on business viability and destination competitiveness.

• Panel 2: Beyond the Stay – The Growing Role of Experiential Tourism
  An exploration of the opportunities to enrich guest experiences through partnerships with food producers, adventure operators, attractions, and agritourism – showcasing how the self-catering sector can innovate and adapt to changing visitor expectations.

• Tourism Insights from Chris Taylor, VisitScotland’s Director of Destination Development for the Highlands & Islands, on trends and opportunities shaping the region.

The event will also feature a curated exhibitor showcase with experts offering tailored tools and solutions for self-catering businesses, from booking systems to EV charging infrastructure.

Fiona Campbell, CEO of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers, said:

“Scotland’s self-catering sector is at a crossroads. With an ever-growing list of regulatory and economic challenges – from short-term let regulation, non-domestic rates, to the tourist tax – it’s more important than ever that we come together as a community to share insights, influence policy, and shape a sustainable future for our £1bn industry. The Inverness Regional Gathering is a vital opportunity to do just that.”

Supporting Local Communities: SurfABLE Scotland

Inverness attendees will also have the opportunity to support SurfABLE Scotland, the world’s most northerly adaptive surf school and the event’s official community charity partner. Based on the Moray Firth, SurfABLE Scotland provides inclusive surf therapy for people of all abilities, with a focus on the neurodiverse and disabled community.

ASSC encourages attendees to bring cash donations or give online to help this life-changing organisation continue its pioneering work.

Tickets & Info:

📅 Date: Wednesday, 14th May 2025
📍 Venue: Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness
🎟️ Tickets: Get Tickets Here

ASSC Members can attend for free using their member promo code. Non-members are welcome to join for a small fee.

This Regional Gathering is supported by our generous event sponsors: Howden, Booking.com, Airbnb, Touch Stay, SuperControl and EmbraceScotland.

About ASSC

Founded in 1978, the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers represents over 1,700 members across Scotland. The ASSC champions a vibrant, professional, and sustainable self-catering sector at the heart of Scotland’s tourism economy. Its core mission is to support and protect self-catering businesses through advocacy, representation, and practical support.

For more information on the event and the work of the ASSC, visit www.assc.co.uk.