The Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association (SPAA) has launched an eleven-point manifesto for travel ahead of the May local elections, in which it says it is a human right for people to be able to travel and see their families.
SPAA President Joanne Dooey said: “It is apparent that there is very little understanding at Scottish Government level of how the travel business works as it crosses so many different portfolios.
“It would be really beneficial and make more sense if outbound travel could be added to a travel and tourism portfolio which would cover outbound and inbound travel as well as aviation and airports.
“Scottish travel cannot recover without a joined-up and cohesive approach within its own ecosystem and the newly elected Scottish Government must open its ears to listen to businesses of all shapes and sizes across the industry. Travel is far more than just aviation and airports.
“We need a Scottish Government which will liaise with the travel sector and travel agencies to ensure that there is a robust framework in place for information sharing. Travel businesses must have sufficient representation in every relevant working recovery group.
“We need a Scottish Government which delivers on the human right to family life for those who have not been able to travel to see family for over a year.”