Also today, LGBTQ travellers can now go to Singapore without fear of prosecution, while an MP faces a battle with Barbados and Jamaica over his family’s former slave plantation.

There are also new warnings about threats to the Barrier Reef. Here are the key national headlines affecting travel on Wednesday 30 November.

Scottish business confidence rising

Business confidence in Scotland is at its highest rate since July despite a “challenging economy”, according to a report. The latest Bank of Scotland business barometer showed companies reported higher confidence in their own prospects, up eight percentage points month on month to 30%. (Evening Standard)

Great Barrier Reef ‘in danger’

Australia’s Great Barrier Reef should be added to the list of world heritage sites that are “in danger”, a UN-backed panel has said, citing a number of bleaching events over the past several years. Scientists from Unesco took part in a 10-day mission to the reef in March. (The Independent)

Singapore lifts ban on gay relationships

Singapore’s controversial colonial-era ban on gay relationships has been repealed. Parliamentarians voted to repeal the country’s criminal code that made sex between men punishable by up to two years in prison. The law, enacted in 1938 during British rule, has not been enforced in 15 years and does not apply to women. However gay marriage remains illegal. (Metro)

Jamaica joins Barbados in seeking MP slavery compensation

Jamaica is considering whether to seek compensation from a wealthy Conservative MP for his family’s historical role in slavery. Richard Drax’s ancestors were pioneers of the sugar and slave trades in the Caribbean about 400 years ago. The MP is facing demands to pay Barbados for harm caused by slavery at an estate he inherited. (BBC News)