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SPAA reacts as international travel unlikely to resume from Scotland in May
Although First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced international travel may remain banned until after 17 May, the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association remains positive that the industry can get back on its feet soon.
Stugeon said travel to other parts of the UK will ‘hopefully’ be permitted from 26 April ‘or as soon as possible thereafter.’
However the resumption of international travel is highly unlikely by May 17.
"We intend to discuss with the aviation sector how and when non-essential travel to some international destinations may be possible again," she said.
Joanne Dooey, president of the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association (SPAA) said: "It’s much more encouraging that international travel is now on the agenda. This will be music to the ears of Scottish travel professionals.
"The SPAA is now focusing on our role in the Aviation Task Force which is being set up by the Scottish government to look at ways to open up travel in a safe and sustainable manner.
We are now actively engaged with the government as the voice of the travel professionals in Scotland and, alongside the aviation and airport representatives, we’ll be working to develop a methodology to allow travel to take off once more."
"Travel plays a hugely significant role in the Scottish economy and the economic benefits of outbound and inbound travel and tourism are both hugely valuable the country.
"We’re keen to play our role in this task force to identify the role that measures such as testing and vaccination programmes and vaccination certificates or passports will play in this."
The SPAA, is celebrating its centenary this year and represents 120 member companies, all their associated agencies across Scotland including many home workers, and 92 associate members across the travel and transport industry.
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