6th January 2022
Commenting on the Scottish Government’s changes to travel testing requirements for international arrivals into Scotland, Dr Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce said:
“Scotland’s airports and our travel operators continue to be hit incredibly hard by the travel testing requirements introduced last month which resulted in a major slowdown in our recovery, increased costs for passengers and further undermined both business and consumer confidence.
“Scotland’s airports and international connections are vital to securing a strong economic recovery and businesses will welcome the decision by the Scottish Government to align pre-departure and return testing requirements with those in England. Any divergence on international travel testing between Scotland and the rest of the UK has a damaging impact on Scotland’s economy and urgent confirmation that any further reductions will be made on a four-nations basis is essential to keeping Scotland’s airports competitive.
“The Scottish Government should now use this opportunity to engage constructively with Scotland’s travel and airport industries to ensure they can look forward to recovery. Businesses linked to Scotland’s aviation sector need focussed policies to drive growth, supported by urgent action by the Scottish Government.
“The development of the new Scottish Aviation Strategy must be a catalyst for the Scottish Government to support the recovery of these hard-hit industries and restore, renew and expand Scotland’s international connectivity.
“Aviation in Scotland supports thousands of jobs directly and indirectly, it is therefore vital the Scottish and UK Government’s work together to ensure targeted financial support is made available for those businesses who need it and that Scotland remains open, welcoming and competitive internationally.”
