New Industry Leadership Group Announced

Delivering for visitors, businesses, and communities

A new Industry Leadership Group (ILG), co-chaired by Tourism Minister Ivan McKee, is being set up to support the tourism and hospitality sectors and drive Scotland’s ambition to be a world leader in 21st century tourism.

The group will also help to deliver the national tourism strategy, Scotland Outlook 2030, by aiming to grow the value and enhance the benefits of tourism across Scotland whilst delivering the very best for visitors, businesses, and communities.

The establishment of this new Tourism and Hospitality Industry Leadership Group will ensure we can collaborate on solutions to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the sector. I look forward to discussing in detail with members how we can work together to deliver Scotland Outlook 2030 and more widely the National Strategy for Economic Transformation.

Over the course of the last couple of years, the Scottish Tourism Emergency Response Group (STERG) has played a crucial role to support the tourism and hospitality sector in the immediate recovery from the pandemic. As we continue to recover from the effects and grow our economy again, there are different challenges impacting the sector, including Brexit and the Cost Emergency.

I am grateful to the members of STERG, the work of the group proved invaluable. I look forward to working as closely with the new ILG, as the Scottish Government remains fully committed to becoming a world leader in 21st century tourism.

Ivan McKee, Tourism Minister

STERG has clearly demonstrated the value of collaboration to get the right guidance and financial support to businesses during the pandemic.

Our industry has a vital role to play as we work towards achieving our shared vision of a wellbeing economy that supports regional and local communities.

The Tourism and Hospitality Industry Leadership Group will provide an important forum for representatives from across public agencies, sectors and community tourism to work together to help drive recovery and sustainable growth.

Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Destination Development, VisitScotland and Chair of STERG

I am delighted to have been asked to Co-Chair this group, after previously chairing the steering group which brought Scotland Outlook 2030 to life in March 2020. I recognise there’s lots to do and I’m confident that the newly formed group once appointed will determine the actions which will deliver the ambition and priorities as set out in Outlook 2030.

The formation of the Tourism and Hospitality Industry Leadership Group is the next step in the evolution of a valuable partnership and will see all partners working together to support a strong recovery for the sector and the growth of a sustainable tourism product for the future.

Marc Crothall MBE, CEO of the Scottish Tourism Alliance

Join the Tourism and Hospitality ILG

There will be an open process for interested parties to submit an expression of interest in joining the Tourism and Hospitality ILG. Members will join as individuals, bringing their skills experience and sector knowledge to the Group.

Consideration will be given by a panel consisting of VisitScotland, Scottish Tourism Alliance and the Scottish Government.

Members from a range of sectors and communities will be invited to join the ILG on a voluntary basis and the group is expected to convene at least four times a year, with the first meeting taking place in early November.

Diversity and inclusion is at the core of the ILG and expressions of interest from underrepresented groups including women, disabled people, those from black and ethnic minority communities, LGBTI+ people, and under 50s are welcomed.

Expressions of interest can be made from today, until 18 September on this website.