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Scottish Tourism Alliance Note of STA Board Meeting Wednesday 29 January 2020 DWF Law, 2 Lechrin Square, 96 Fountainbridge,

Present: Stephen Leckie (SL), Calum Ross (CR), Scott Inglis (SI), John Henderson (JH), Marshall Dallas (MD), Freda Newton (FN)

Apologies Alison McRae (AM), Gordon Dewar (GD), David Lonsdale (DL), James Withers (JW), Rebecca Brooks (RB), Henk Berits (HB)

In attendance Marc Crothall (MC), Karen Christie (KC), Mhairi Clarke (MCL) Elaine Townsend (Minute Taker)

Part 1 1. Minute of Meeting 26 November 2019 Minute of the Meeting was approved.

There were no Matters Arising.

2. YTD P&L 9+3 Forecast and Cash Flow Papers were presented. Finances are carefully managed. The STA is now charging for some of the asks of Marc through reimbursement of expenses. We should perhaps publicise the different skill sets / offerings of the STA through the website; this may generate some income. Possible other sources of income is by taking on the secretariat of other organisations. We should perhaps revisit the discussions for a House of Tourism – it would be beneficial to at least look at. We continue to grow in membership; new members recently – LNER, The Coig, DWF Law, Fairmont St Andrews, Glenmorven Associates. SE & HIE have no funds available. Conversations will need to be had with to ensure funding is included in their budget for a Tourism Development Fund to assist funding of DMOs. is supportive of the proposals but needs to be approved; the 1st version of the budget is to be revealed next week. The South of is forming a new DMMO. There is a possibly an opportunity to tie some of their funding into the Strategy at National level. Marc to have further discussions with JH. Action MC / JH.

3. Presentation STA Update on Strategic Goals MC and MCl presented an update. Sodexo have agreed to continue their support of the Patrons Dinner. Board were asked to ‘like and share’ the STA communications.

4. Update on Policy PR Activity – Business Rates Migration MD attended a meeting regarding the Scottish Migration Proposal – notes below:

Speakers were: First Minister of Scotland - Nicola Sturgeon Minister for Europe, Migration and International Development–Ben MacPherson MSP The key points FM brought up in her introduction to the event were: - • UK portrays the issue of free movement as a problem where Scottish Gov don’t. 1

Scottish Tourism Alliance

• Historically, prior to free movement more people exited Scotland than entered. Scotland’s highest population growth happened between 2000–2010. • Scotland has an aging population and currently there are more people dying in Scotland than are being born. • A key differentiator between Scotland and the rest of the UK IS Scotland’s working population is also in decline. This is not the case within the rest of the UK. • So, FM’s main point was Scotland needs a set of distinctive and individual solutions. • There are 3 elements to the paper: - 1. The creation of a Scottish Visa 2. A placed based route for migration to rural areas 3. Influencing change in the UK System The creation of a Scottish Visa Scottish Gov have taken counsel from models developed in Canada and Australia. Regarding regional immigration schemes which allows provinces to attract and retain people with the relevant skills and experience needed. Scot Gov proposes the Scot Ministers set the criteria and rules for a visa to enter the UK which would let migrants live and work in Scotland, with a Scottish tax code. They could not live and work anywhere else in the UK. The Scottish Visa system would be an extra option within the UK framework. SG would work in partnership with UK Gov to deliver this. of aspects of the UK migration system would need to happen for SG to make it less restrictive in Scotland than existing UK policy. A placed based route for migration to rural areas This element to me was light on detail. SG see migration as a key lever to address the depopulation of rural Scotland. Past out-migration and the aging population that remain means natural change cannot contribute to the recovery in those areas of Scotland. This combined with the £30k salary threshold creates immense problems. SG has recommended to UK Gov that a pilot scheme to attract and retain migrants in rural areas. My concern is the time that will take to implement. Influencing change in the UK System The current UK immigration system does not reflect the values and principles that SG hold. There are five areas which UK Gov have been asked to revise its policy on. These are: - 1. Re-introduce the post study work visa recommended by the 2. End the net migration target 3. End the migration skills charge - £1k per year on employers 4. Give SG a greater say in the Scotland Shortage Occupation list 5. Extend and protect rights in family migration

Business Rates A proposal has been put forward to devolve Business Rates to the local authorities; 23 trade bodies have joined forces in an attempt to prevent this happening. There will be a 3rd hearing in the next week and will be then be voted on. 5. Beyond 2020 Update / Signature Conference Programme KC gave a summary of the update paper that was circulated ahead of the meeting.

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Scottish Tourism Alliance

A meeting has been set up with The Union to develop the next stage of how the strategy can be presented.

MC gave an update on the Signature Conference Programme; full details are available on the website – www.scottishtourismmonth.scot. Tickets are selling well; early bird tickets are on sale until 31 January. Exhibition space is proving popular with a higher number of paying exhibitors than last year.

Part 2 6. Discussion re New Board Members Recruitment x3 – Skills Set / Profile Sought Possible skills – growth of business development, an additional policy person.

7. Round Table Lunch MC discussed the guest list.

8. AOB October AGM Format It was proposed we look at doing something different in place of the October conference; perhaps a networking lunch with a guest speaker. We can do a survey to the industry to see what the appetite would be for a change of format.

Next Board Agenda April board meeting has been moved to 5th May. Possibly the same format as today.

June Away Day Discussed briefly. Possibilities – Jacobite by Loch Ness, Ireland, , Born in the Borders.

2020 STA Board Meetings & Key Events

Wed 4th March : 10.30-22.00 : Signature Conference Day 1, Civic Reception & STA Social, Thurs 5th March : STM2020 : Signature Conference Day 2, Glasgow Wed 25th March : 18.00-20.00 : STA Parliamentary Reception, Scottish Parliament Tues 5th May (TBC) : 15.00-21.00 : Board Meeting & Round Table Dinner with invited guests. Host Company & Location TBC

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