Scotland

Edinburgh tourist tax comes closer to being introduced

Edinburgh set to be the first Scottish destination to introduce a tourist tax

Why these agents are feeling hopeful despite the economic downturn

Despite ongoing political confusion and fears over the growing cost-of-living crisis, some agents have remaining positive of a continued upturn in business

Inspire your clients with the late Queen's travel adventures

A detailed look at some of Queen Elizabeth II’s most cherished places around the world

Sturgeon confirms plans for Scottish ‘tourism tax’ legislation

Scottish government to introduce Local Visitor Levy bill to get idea off the ground

Barrhead to create 50 new jobs with apprenticeship programme relaunch

Jacqueline Dobson, president of Barrhead Travel, started her career in travel through an apprenticeship scheme

Ambassador delays ship launch to home Ukrainian refugees

Ambition’s inaugural season has been pushed back to mid-May 2023 after the line agreed to charter the ship to the Scottish government to help home refugees displaced by the war in Ukraine

SPAA urges Scottish travellers to use an agent amid airport disruption

’A travel agent can do what no computer or app can do and can anticipate their clients’ requirements,’ said SPAA president Mike Tibbert

Rabbie's launches two new responsible travel tours

The tour operator has partnered with Visit Scotland to offer the new tours

Scottish agents report continued uptick in late bookings

More than 66% of bookings are for the next three months and more than 26% of those within six weeks of departure

Murray Travel expansion continues with third branch opening

Highland agency makes good on promise to restore and retain a high street presence in Forres

Travelbank sells 400 Europa League final trips in three days

This year’s UEFA Europa League final between Eintracht Frankfurt and Rangers will take place in Seville on 18 May

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh to open in June

Reservations are now being accepted for stays from 1 June

Barrhead opens new store in Northwich

The launch of the new premises has been nearly two and a half years in the making

Kuoni to open new Aberdeen store next month

Tailor-made specialist to open first new store for two years on 8 April – and is on the lookout for locations for more

Loganair pledges £30,000 for green energy projects

Scottish carrier launched the fund last year in line with its GreenSkies environmental programme, which includes a commitment to become net zero by 2040

Virgin Atlantic to launch Edinburgh-Orlando route next week

The route is Virgin’s second at Edinburgh airport

Virgin Atlantic to fly 50 Ukrainian orphans to UK

SNP leader Ian Blackford flagged the effort at prime minister’s questions on Wednesday (23 March) after the children were evacuated by Scottish charity Dnipro Kids

Applications set to open for Scottish outbound travel support fund

From tomorrow (10 March), Scottish outbound travel businesses – including agents and operators – will be able to tap the Scottish government for more funds to help them recover from Covid

Hoseasons working on new series with Channel 4

Show will explore British coastlines and local cuisines

Barrhead Travel rallies to support Ukraine crisis

Head of sales support Nichola O’Brien co-ordinated drop-off points for provisions and an employee fundraiser

Scottish govt pledges further £2.4m for outbound travel

It brings total new funding available to the sector to nearly £6 million after a £3.5 million pledge made earlier this month

Travel ‘not out of the woods yet’ despite rule change and Scottish grants

Abta wants to ensure future travel rules provide the “stability” to rebuild confidence

Scottish govt's £3.5m pledge for agents hailed 'a great relief'

SPAA president Mike Tibbert said the funding would help struggling businesses recover from two years of negative income

Scottish govt to provide £3.5m in support to agents

Move comes after months of lobbying by the country’s outbound sector