SPAA Calls For Urgent Government Action On Tax And Air Travel To Protect Scotland’s Connectivity
The Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association (SPAA) — the professional body for Scotland’s travel agents — is calling on the Chancellor to act decisively ahead of the forthcoming UK Budget to protect Scotland’s outbound travel and connectivity.
Representing travel businesses across the country, the SPAA warns that the combined pressures of rising taxation, business rates and aviation duty threaten to undermine Scotland’s ability to stay connected to the rest of the UK and beyond.
SPAA Vice President Alan Glenn says,
“Scotland’s travel industry has been resilient through years of disruption — but continued increases in business costs and taxation risk stifling recovery and growth. We’re calling for action to make sure Scotland remains a competitive, well-connected nation.”
The association of travel professions has outlined three urgent priorities for government:
- Tackle business cost pressures
The SPAA is urging both UK and Scottish governments to review the impact of business rates and taxation on high street travel agencies, small travel firms and business-travel specialists. Many of these local businesses are still recovering from the pandemic and now face mounting costs from energy, insurance and inflation.
“A fairer business rates system would allow travel companies to invest in staff, training and digital innovation rather than simply trying to survive,” says Glen.
- Maintain domestic Air Passenger Duty (APD) at a competitive level
The SPAA warns that any increase in domestic APD would threaten vital air links between Scotland and the rest of the UK — particularly routes to London and regional airports that underpin both business and leisure travel.
“Scotland cannot afford to lose connectivity with the rest of the UK. Affordable and frequent air links are essential for business travel, tourism and family life. Keeping domestic APD low is crucial to maintaining those lifeline connections,” adds Mr Glen.
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- Support Scotland’s outbound travel businesses
The SPAA calls for sustained support for Scotland’s travel agencies and business-travel providers, which generate more than £3.5 billion in gross value for the Scottish economy each year.
The association’s manifesto highlights the need for a balanced consumer-protection regime, practical sustainability policies, and investment in training and digital transformation.
Alan Glen concludes, “We’re not asking for special treatment — just for a fair policy framework that recognises the essential role travel plays in Scotland’s economy and in people’s lives. Every flight booked through a Scottish travel agent supports jobs, skills and spending in local communities. Scotland’s travel sector is part of the solution to sustainable economic growth.”
The SPAA, founded in 1921, is the world’s oldest organisation representing travel agents. It currently has 120 member companies, all their associated agencies across Scotland including many home workers, and 92 associate members across the travel and transport industry. www.spaa.org.
