Dobson has written to the UK Treasury and Scotland’s cabinet secretary for finance and the economy. 

Her initiative came after Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon last week announced a £100 million package for businesses impacted by hospitality cancellations. It included £3 million to be allocated to the worst-affected tourism businesses, meaning it is unlikely travel agencies or outbound travel businesses will benefit. 
 
Dobson said: “Travel agencies were previously excluded from claiming the same level of support as hospitality businesses – despite remaining under crippling restrictions while our peers in other sectors could at least begin their recovery. 
 
“Hospitality businesses in Scotland have, quite rightly, been thrown a lifeline – they face incredible challenges in the face of mass cancellations this Christmas. The problem here is that the travel industry has been facing the same uncertainty and growing levels of postponements or cancellations for the past four weeks without any form of government intervention.”

She said it was “beyond belief” the sector was being ignored.

“There is still a real lack of understanding about how the travel industry generates cash and it is disappointing that, even after almost two years of discussions, we have few government officials who really understand the harsh realities.”
 
 Dobson said that there was still an appetite for travel but the constantly changing guidance was confusing customers:
 
“Conflicting advice or statements from devolved nations do not help,” she said.

“The Christmas period should have been an opportunity for the industry to service the pent-up demand for winter breaks. Of course, we’ve had the challenge of Omicron which has naturally slowed imminent departures, but the UK government should have taken action to mitigate the repercussions on the industry including implementing financial support and taking steps to reduce testing costs.”
 
She added: “I welcome any opportunity from the Scottish and UK governments to discuss realistic measures to support travel in the months ahead.”