Tuesday 5 August 2008

Scottish Tourism Forum Weekly News

The excellent weekly news digest has just come in from STF - if you don't already receive it here's the latest...

"The continued concerns on the impact of the credit crunch on tourism in Scotland are now showing a real slow down highlighted by low advanced bookings. Concerns have increased with the news of cuts to the number of flights into Scotland by BA and other operators adding to predictions of a longer term slow down. The accommodation sector has seen numbers reduce noticeably in Glasgow and with the start of the Edinburgh Festival seeing accommodation still available. Bucking the trends however, the Caravan Club are reporting a good season as are top end self catering market across Scotland looking encouraging. We would ask you to feedback your reports from around the country so we can share this with Government.

Thanks to all of you who have replied to our previous requests for feedback on the impact of the new alcohol licensing. With up to a 40% reduction in licence application, mainly from the rural areas, a loss of service to our visitors is certain. We have had examples of B&B's who provided a decanter of whisky for guests after dinner to sample the local malt, attractions who unable to cross sell between items, high lawyers & architects costs, village pubs closing, self catering cottages who provided a welcome pack of local produce including a bottle of wine - all examples of the issues experienced by the tourism trade.

The Fire Legislation is also affecting numerous smaller accommodation operators with the enforcement of the new guidance instructions varying from area to area. We are again gathering information on this to demonstrate the impact of new legislation on an industry already under pressure. Please continue to email us your examples to ruth.greig@stforum.co.uk and we will advise you of the feedback we get from Government on your behalf. "

You can find out more about STF at http://www.stforum.co.uk/

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