Catering Scotland

The Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) will today play host to over 200 senior figures from Scotland’s tourism industry at the organisation’s AGM and October Conference in Stirling.

With keynote speeches from a variety of speakers including Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing MSP and the European Commission’s Head of European Policy, Francesca Tudini, the event will mark the culmination of a successful campaign for membership growth.

STA chairman Stephen Leckie and CEO Marc Crothall (pictured) will report another strong year, with membership more than doubling since 2012. The leaders will then set out the four key strands for their three-year business plan.

‘After an amazing year for Scotland in the media spotlight and with momentum and confidence running high, everyone attending today looks forward to hearing more on the future opportunities for the tourism industry in Scotland,’ commented Mr Crothall.

Mr Ewing added: ‘Looking forward to 2015, the Year of Food & Drink is a chance to spotlight, celebrate and promote Scotland’s natural larder and quality produce to our people and our visitors, and to capitalise on the momentum created by the previous Year of Food & Drink and Homecoming.

‘With that in mind, I would encourage the tourism industry to benefit directly in marketing terms merely by aligning their activities and produces with our second Year of Food & Drink.’

Today’s conference programme also includes presentations from Stuart Turner of EventScotland; Judy Rae, chair of the TS2020 Business Tourism umbrella; entrepreneur Chris Newlands will share the reasons why he has developed the new TalkHoliday.com; and Chris McCoy will present to delegates on how Scotland can seize an opportunity and best prepare to welcome and cater for an accessible market.

Visit www.scottishtourismalliance.co.uk for more information.