BHA welcomes ‘clarity' of referendum result
The BHA has said it looks forward to working with the Scottish government to further the interests of hospitality businesses after Scotland voted ‘no' to independence.
William Macleod, executive director BHA Scotland, said: "Tourism and hospitality are almost unique in their capacity to build international cultural understanding. What's important now is that tourism is given every support to succeed, grow and compete internationally."
He said the Scottish hospitality industry welcomed the clarity, which would follow the referendum result. However, Macleod cautioned that there were many issues that would require attention as arrangements are made to devolve greater powers to the Scottish Parliament.
"Hospitality and tourism are vitally important to the Scottish economy with some 15% of the population working in the industry," Macleod said.
"The sector has consistently demonstrated resilience, adaptability and innovation, especially over the last five years or so and is showing clear signs of recovery. This recovery can be sustained if the economic and political conditions are in place to support this. There are a number of British and international hospitality organisations that are investing in Scotland and others have declared their interest in doing the same.
"BHA looks forward to working closely with the Scottish government in the run-up to the elections in the spring of 2016."
He said that the exposure Scotland had received was likely to heighten interest in visits to the country, adding: "England remains Scotland's most important tourism market and we must send out the message that Scotland is very much open for business and that all visitors are welcome."
