The post Centara Reserve Samui marks its third year appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Centara Reserve Samui celebrates its third anniversary this month, marking its third year with a record twelve global awards in two luxury categories within 2024.

Since it first opened its doors back in December 2021, the resort has set new standards in personalised, design-led hospitality.

Today, it continues to deliver extraordinary experiences that have captured the hearts of discerning travellers from around the world.
A concept that changed the game

Nestled in a serene seafront location at the tranquil end of Chaweng Beach, Centara Reserve Samui introduced a new concept of bespoke luxury escapes. 

Crafted for travellers who seek meaningful experiences in exclusive settings, the resort tells the story of its destination through its design, service, and immersive experiences. 

Through the vision of renowned design firm AvroKO the property seamlessly blends colonial inspiration with traditional Thai woodcraft and contemporary elegance.
From the moment guests enter the light-filled lobby adorned with a handcrafted wooden lighting fixture, to the spacious suites and pool villas featuring white-washed oak and intricately carved wood details, every corner of the resort exudes sophistication. 

Outside, alfresco pavilions and living areas frame stunning ocean views, providing a serene backdrop for relaxation and reflection.

Catering to discerning tastes

The resort also offers six extraordinary culinary journeys all offering diverse dining experiences across three distinctive venues. 

Salt Society Beach Bar & Kitchen  is the island’s bespoke destination, offering a chic, laid-back vibe with fresh seafood, handcrafted cocktails, and unmissable Sunday Brunches set against a backdrop of spectacular oceanfront views. 

Encapsulating Samui’s laid-back ambience is relaxed piazza-style dining at The Terrace where comfort food from around the world is on the menu. 

Sa-Nga, which means “elegant” in Thai, presents Thai tapas with a modern twist, crafted by master chefs from an open kitchen. 

For the ultimate steakhouse experience, Act 5 – The Grill showcases imported meats, premium Thai Wagyu beef, and fresh seafood grilled to perfection in KOPA ovens, delivering signature smoky flavours in an intimate setting. 

For gin connoisseurs there’s The Gin Run with over 35 house-blended gins is the place to be for an immersive experience and personalised gin-based cocktails made by our resident mixologist, while the Pool Bar is the ideal place to soak up the picturesque island vibes in-water and poolside with refined refreshments, creative cocktails and light bites. 

For those wanting an exquisite nocturnal feast at their luxury villa, then the Kitchen Table menu offers an extensive range of international cuisines.  

These venues, along with the resort’s other culinary offerings, create memorable dining moments rooted in local flavours and luxurious settings, making every meal a celebration of Samui’s finest produce.  

The art of well-being

Well-being is also at the heart of Centara Reserve Samui where the world’s first Reserve Spa Cenvaree is a serene sanctuary that boasts its own Organic Herb Garden.

Here, skilled therapists escort guests to personally select and handpick their treatment ingredients, which are then blended and infused in oils and clays for their own inspiring spa journeys that pamper and cultivate a deep sense of wellbeing.  

With seven treatment rooms complete with steam and sauna facilities, the 100% organic spa menu includes body treatments, scrubs and wraps accompanied by healthy snacks and organic drinks. 

Spa Cenvaree is also a multi-award-winning operator delivering exceptional spa journeys inspired by traditional Thai healing with over 35 spas in South-East Asia and the Middle East. 

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The post JCB and Kobe Tourism Bureau to develop Indonesia-centric tourism promotion strategies appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

JCB Co Ltd formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kobe Tourism Bureau to promote inbound tourism to Japan from Indonesia. 

This partnership will strengthen the response to inbound demand mainly from affluent customers, primarily in the rapidly growing Indonesian market as a trial.

Based on this memorandum, JCB and the Kobe Tourism Bureau will jointly develop comprehensive tourism promotion strategies.

Aside from this agreement, JCB and its Indonesia subsidiary have also entered into an exclusive sponsorship agreement with PT Senayan Trikarya Sempana (STS) for Yashinoki Yokocho, a Japanese food court and Japanese travel information center set to open in Plaza Senayan, Indonesia’s leading luxury retail establishment.

From Southeast Asia into the Japanese heartland

Specifically, JCB and the Kobe Tourism Bureau will begin marketing trial initiatives aimed at stimulating consumption in Kobe with JCB Cards issued in Indonesia in January 2025. 

The partnership will offer special benefits at luxury hotels and traditional Japanese restaurants in Kobe, and it will gradually introduce exclusive benefits for JCB cardmembers at famous tourist spots in Kobe. 

Through these efforts, JCB and the Kobe Tourism Bureau aim to create added value for Japanese culture enthusiasts in Indonesia and improve their satisfaction during their stay in Kobe.

In addition, the partnership will conduct behavioral analysis of inbound tourists using statistical data on the consumption patterns of JCB cardmembers. 

Based on this information, JCB and the Kobe Tourism Bureau will effectively promote Kobe’s attractions to Indonesian JCB cardmembers and work to build a model that strengthens the response to inbound demand through collaboration between the local government and the private sector.

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The post 1.1 billion tourists travelled internationally in the first nine months of 2024: UN Tourism appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Around 1.1 billion tourists travelled internationally in the first nine months of 2024, as the global tourism sector recovered 98% of pre-pandemic levels. According to the latest World Tourism Barometer by UN Tourism, a full recovery from the biggest crisis in the sector’s history is expected by the end of the year, despite economic, geopolitical and climate challenges.

Four years after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought global tourism to a standstill, the Barometer reflects the sector’s remarkable recovery, with most regions already exceeding 2019 arrival numbers in the period January to September 2024. The report also shows outstanding results in terms of international tourism receipts, with most destinations with available data posting double-digit growth compared to 2019.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The strong growth seen in tourism receipts is excellent news for economies around the world. The fact that visitor spending is growing even stronger than arrivals has a direct impact on millions of jobs and small businesses and contributes decisively to the balance of payments and tax revenues of many economies.”

The fact that visitor spending is growing even stronger than arrivals has a direct impact on millions of jobs and small businesses and contributes decisively to the balance of payments and tax revenues of many economies

Tourism performance by region

International tourist arrivals grew strongly in the first nine months of 2024, driven by strong post-pandemic demand in Europe and robust performance from large source markets globally, as well as the ongoing recovery of destinations in Asia and the Pacific. Increased air connectivity and visa facilitation also supported international travel.

• The Middle East (+29% compared to 2019) continued to enjoy record growth this nine-month period, while Europe (+1%) and Africa (+6%) also exceeded 2019 levels.
• The Americas recovered 97% of its pre-pandemic arrivals (-3% over 2019).
• Asia and the Pacific reached 85% of 2019 levels as compared to a 66% recovery in 2023. Asia and the Pacific has experienced a gradual though uneven rebound in arrivals since the region reopened to international travel in 2023.

The summer season in the Northern Hemisphere was generally strong, with arrivals worldwide reaching 99% of pre-pandemic values in Q3 2024.

A total of 60 out of 111 destinations surpassed 2019 arrival numbers in the first eight to nine months of 2024. Some of the strongest performers in arrivals during this period were Qatar (+141% versus 2019) where arrivals more than doubled, Albania (+77%), Saudi Arabia (+61%), Curaçao (+48%), Tanzania (+43%), Colombia and Andorra (both +36%).

Tourism receipts show extraordinary growth

A total of 35 out of 43 countries with available data on receipts exceeded pre-pandemic values in the first eight to nine months of 2024, many reporting double-digit growth compared to 2019 (in local currencies), well above inflation in most cases.

Among the best performers in terms of earnings were Serbia (+99%) where receipts almost doubled (compared to the same months of 2019), as well as Pakistan (+64%), Romania (+61%), Japan (+59%), Portugal (+51%), Nicaragua and Tanzania (both 50%).

Among the world’s top earners, Japan (+59%), Türkiye (+41%) and France (+27%) all recorded double-digit growth through September 2024. Spain (+36%) and Italy (+26%) also reported strong visitor receipts, through August. The United Kingdom recorded 43% higher earnings, Canada 35%, and Australia 18%, all through June 2024. As for the United States, the world’s top tourism earner, it reported 7% growth through September.

Data on international tourism expenditure reflects the same trend, especially among large source markets such as Germany (+35% compared to 2019), the United States (+33%) and France (+11%).

Strong expenditure growth was also reported by the United Kingdom (+46%) Australia (+34%), Canada (+28%) and Italy (+26%), all through June 2024. Available data for India shows a surge in outbound spending from this increasingly important market, with 81% growth through June 2024 (versus 2019).

On track for full recovery by the end of 2024

International tourist arrivals are expected to reach 2019 levels in 2024. International tourism receipts had already virtually achieved pre-pandemic levels in 2023.

While a large number of destinations already exceeded pre-pandemic arrival numbers in 2023, or have done so in 2024, there is still room for recovery across several subregions and destinations. A slower rebound in parts of North-East Asia and Central Eastern Europe contrasts with strong results in all other European subregions, the Middle East, Central America and the Caribbean, where arrivals have surpassed pre-pandemic values.

As in 2023, the year 2024 has seen strong export revenues from international tourism, due to higher average spending per trip (excluding the effects of inflation), partly the result of longer periods of stay.

Challenges remain

Despite the generally strong results, several economic, geopolitical and climate challenges remain. The tourism sector is still facing inflation in travel and tourism, namely high transport and accommodation prices, as well as volatile oil prices. Major conflicts and tensions around the world continue to impact consumer confidence, while extreme weather events and staff shortages are also critical challenges for tourism performance.

 

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The post United creates magic with 13 Fantasy Flight routes to the North Pole appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The holidays are always a Claus for celebration and ahead of what’s expected to be the busiest travel period, United Airlines announced today the launch of its newest seasonal hub – the “North Pole” (JOY). United will transport deserving children and their families to the North Pole with direct “Fantasy Flights” from 13 cities around the globe and take the holiday spirit to new heights.

“The team made a list, I checked it twice and the answer was clear – with so many deserving children on the nice list this year, it only made sense to launch a seasonal hub in the North Pole,” said United’s Executive Vice President of Human Resources and Labor Relations, Kate Gebo. “We’ve stocked up on de-icing fluid to fly from even more cities. United is honored to uplift children and their families through the joy of the holiday season. Making the North Pole closer than ever is one of the many ways we can show support for the communities where we live, work and fly.”

United’s Fantasy Flights are local, customized experiences for pre-selected children and their families to board a United aircraft headed for Santa’s hometown to make joy-filled memories. After a short trip, either in the air or on the ground, children arrive at the North Pole – a winter wonderland elf-iciently created by United airport employees and local volunteers who transform an average airport gate or maintenance hangar into a sea of twinkling lights, sparkling Christmas trees and Santa himself – along with his elves.

This year, United will transport a large number of children and their families on Fantasy Flight departures from 13 airports around the globe, including: Cleveland, Chicago-O’Hare, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Guam, Honolulu, Houston Bush, London, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco, Tokyo and Washington-Dulles. United Express operated airports across the system will also host Fantasy Flights.

Honolulu (HNL)	December 5
Washington-Dulles (IAD)	December 7
Houston Bush (IAH)	December 7
Los Angeles (LAX)	December 7
London (LHR)	December 7
Chicago-O’Hare (ORD)	December 7
San Francisco (SFO)	December 7
Tokyo (NRT)	December 8
Cleveland (CLE)	December 10
Fort Lauderdale (FLL)	December 10
Guam (GUM)	December 13
Denver (DEN)	December 14
Newark (EWR)	December 14

Santa and his elves, led by United team members, volunteer every year to build and staff Fantasy Flights across United’s global network, partnering with local nonprofits and hospitals in each city to create these special memories for kids and their families.

Make-A-Wish is partnering with United this year to send wish kids on select Fantasy Flights in Denver, Chicago, Cleveland, Houston, and Guam. For those looking for ways to support children in need this season, this Giving Tuesday, United^® is partnering with Make-A-Wish^® to bring joy and hope to children facing critical illnesses. Donate miles or money through December 31, 2024, and United will match up to 5 million miles total and match monetary donations of up to $500,000 total through travel certificates, doubling the impact and helping grant even more life-changing wishes. In addition, illy coffee is offering a donation to Make-A-Wish on sales of cold brew throughout the month of December. Illy will donate $1 for each cold brew sold on United flights, up to $25,000, in support of the organization.

“The generosity of United and its MileagePlus members through the Miles on a Mission program is life-changing for wish kids and their families,” said Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America. “These donated miles enable transformative wish experiences that bring hope, joy, and the strength to persevere during the most challenging times. We are deeply grateful for United’s ongoing partnership and dedication to making a lasting impact in the lives of children with critical illnesses.”

The Fantasy Flights program is the story of how Good Leads The Way^® for children in need. The latest installment in United’s award-winning Good Leads The Way brand campaign tells stories in a uniquely United way about how the world’s biggest airline creates all kinds of good, for all kinds of people, every single day. This chapter emphasizes that United’s network is designed around our passengers to give them the greatest flexibility and options for travel worldwide.

 

 

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The post ANA supports development of a safer way to store electronics in flight appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

All Nippon Airways (ANA) and two other Japanese companies jointly developed a fire-resistant bag that can be used to safely store personal electronic devices during flights.

This unique product created jointly by ANA, Kikuchi Sheet Industries Ltd (Kikuchi Sheet), and TOPPAN Corporation protects passengers, crew, and aircraft from the risk of fires caused by overheated batteries in electronic devices.

The fire resistant bags are already in use on ANA aircraft, including aircraft operated by AirJapan and ANA Wings. 

To further encourage fire safety, ANA will make the bags available for purchase by competing airlines and other commercial customers on ANA Trading from January 2025.

A necessary suggestion

ANA cabin attendants suggested the need for safe storage options in response to recent incidents on other airlines involving fire and smoke from deteriorating or poor quality lithium-ion batteries. 

The fire resistant bag was planned and developed in response to their feedback.

The jointly developed storage bags are unique because they combine TOPPAN’s FSfilm which releases a fire-extinguishing aerosol in response to heat, and Kikuchi’s fire resistant bag, which is designed to quickly and safely prevent fire risks from electronic equipment that shows signs of abnormal heat generation or deformation. 

The bag’s lightweight and compact design was designed for installation in all ANA and AirJapan aircraft.

ANA’s role in developing and deploying the storage bag reflects the airline’s strong commitment to safety as a top priority. 

ANA Group, Kikuchi Sheet, and TOPPAN will jointly begin to expand sales of the fire resistant bag and continue to promote initiatives utilizing the latest technology to keep passengers and crew safe.

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The post Tourism Fiji celebrates record visitor numbers appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

Tourism Fiji is celebrating a headline year for visitor numbers, welcoming a record 822,253 visitors between January and October 2024 (a 6.5% increase compared to the same period in 2023), surpassing pre-pandemic levels and further cementing Fiji’s reputation as a must-visit destination in the South Pacific.

Within those numbers, UK visitors to Fiji were up 16% year on year between January and October, with recent months performing particularly strongly, for example September 2024 was 60% up over September 2023.

The newly released figures coincided with the announcement of Fiji as #3 in Lonely Planet’s prestigious Best in Travel list, behind Cameroon and Lithuania as the best destinations to visit in 2025, describing visiting Fiji as “a transformative experience”. It also cites its 460 protected marine areas brimming with life” and calls out initiatives supporting the preservation of the marine ecosystem through activities like planting coral and mangroves, and the opportunity to experience Fijian hospitality and cultural experiences through organisations like the sustainable tourism collective Duavata.

The record visitor figures are set to be boosted this month by a new Fiji Airways flight from Dallas launching on 10 December, which has favourable connection times with flights to and from the UK. This, alongside flight connections via a host of international hubs including Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore, Vancouver, San Francisco and LA, means that it has never been easier for UK travellers to get to this paradise archipelago of over 300 islands.

To accommodate growing demand, several new hotel and resort openings are underway including The Crowne Plaza Nadi, Sofitel Vatu Talei Denarau, Radisson Blu Mirage Resort, Hilton Garden Inn Suva, and more.

Tourism Fiji CEO Brent Hill said: “This has been a landmark year for Fiji, as we celebrate record-breaking visitor numbers and a renewed global appreciation for everything that makes our islands unique. Our success reflects more than just breathtaking beaches—it’s about the authentic Fijian experiences and connections travellers have here. The future of tourism in Fiji is bright, with exciting new developments and global recognition for our hospitality. We’re proud to share the warmth and magic of Fiji with more visitors than ever before, as we continue to grow sustainably and authentically.”

Tourism Fiji’s UK & European Regional Director Jane West added: “It’s exciting to see UK visitor numbers go from strength to strength as more Brits enjoy Fiji’s unique hospitality, beautiful beaches, community tourism and incredible adventure offering, from well-established experiences like diving, river rafting and hiking, to newcomers like the new electric bike rides and scenic 4WD.”

To capitalise on the increased access, prominence of Fiji as a destination and the new hotels and experiences added to the visitor experience, Tourism Fiji has also launched a new, playful creative campaign which will roll out globally. The campaign Happy Passports takes a light-hearted approach to the universal frustration of passport photos, showing how hard it is to maintain a solemn expression in a country where happiness comes so naturally.

 

 

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The post Small Luxury Hotels of the World celebrates a milestone year appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), renowned for its independently minded portfolio of boutique properties, celebrates a landmark year, achieving over 600 member hotels. Welcoming 80 new additions in 2024, SLH expands its global footprint in exciting destinations such as Anguilla, Ecuador, Guatemala, India, Lithuania, Pakistan, Poland, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania.

“We’ve enjoyed a remarkable year of growth, making an impact with our small and powerful brand,” said Richard Hyde, Chief Operating Officer, Small Luxury Hotels of the World. He added: “This year, we’ve added a record number of 80 extraordinary hotels, surpassed 600 members, expanded our global team, introduced more compelling partnerships to enhance the diversity within our portfolio, and launched an exciting strategic partnership with Hilton. Demand for luxury boutique hotels continues to soar, and we’re delighted to be at the forefront as we head into our brand’s 35^th anniversary next year.”

New Openings For 2025

SLH introduces seven new openings for 2025, including two outposts in Italy. In January, Milan’s vibrant scene will be further enlivened as German designer Philip Plein unveils The Plein Hotel, a playful 13-room property with the mantra ‘your hotel, your rules’, where gastronomic dining and nightlife take centre stage. The Goethe Hotel becomes Rome’s latest one-of-a-kind property in February, paying homage to writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and his ‘Italian Journey’.  Fusing classic Roman architecture and contemporary design, the hotel is a stone’s throw from iconic landmarks, Trevi Fountain, Piazza di Spagna, and Villa Borghese. Opening in January 2025, Park Lane Copenhagen gives Copenhagen’s seriously stylish hospitality scene a facelift.  Overlooking the gardens of Øregård Park and minutes from the sea in Copenhagen’s northern quarter, the 69-room property features a chic all-white palette and provides a unique wine experience.

In April 2025, the ultra-luxury Hermes Galapagos Mega Catamaran sets sail, offering an unrivalled exploration of the Galapagos Islands. The state-of-the-art vessel accommodates up to 20 guests in 12 opulent suites, each featuring private balconies and jacuzzis. Barrington’s Hotel & Residences in Almancil, Portugal, will also open in April. Guests can enjoy the rebirth of this 31-key Vale do Lobo local legend building which has been transformed into a 5-star property with easy access to Algarve’s golf facilities, beaches and outdoor activities. Laguna Coast Resort opens in Naxos, Greece, in May 2025 and is one of 21 additions to SLH’s actively sustainable Considerate Collection.  The luxury eco-retreat overlooks the serene Laguna area and is surrounded by pristine nature, ancient landmarks, and the Aegean Sea.  It’s a perfect base for guests to explore the area’s rich biodiversity, from seasonal wetlands to migratory bird habitats and cultural treasures like the Temple of Apollo. The famed Levantine Hill Estate, in the heart of the Yarra Valley, will open a stunning new boutique hotel complex, Levantine Hill Hotel, in June 2025.  Designed by Fender Katsalidis architects to fit naturally within the landscape, the hotel will be the perfect blend of luxury and comfort.

Other Notable Additions

SLH welcomes the iconic Kozmo Hotel Suites & Spa and Boho Hotel Budapest (opened December 2024) into Budapest’s evolving luxury hotel scene. SLH ventures into more experiential properties, introducing four Tanzanian properties – Siringit Villa in Usa River, Siringit Serengeti Camp in Seronera, Siringit Migration Camp in Kogatende and Xanadu Luxury Villas & Retreat in Zanzibar, all providing a dream safari & beach itinerary.

SLH’s growth isn’t limited just to its impressive hotel signings. In October 2024, SLH launched its revamped customer loyalty programme, SLH Club, followed swiftly by a new app in November 2024, which offers guests a seamless and faster reservation process and innovative features such as integrated route guidance. SLH’s exclusive strategic partnership with Hilton continues to flourish as it welcomes more participating SLH hotels into the programme in early December, taking it to over 400 SLH hotels available on all Hilton direct booking channels, including Hilton.com and the Hilton Honors app. These notable developments have demonstrably fuelled growth, resulting in a 9% increase in revenue across all channels compared to 2023, marking the most successful year in SLH’s history.

 

 

 

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The post Air Canada to launch direct Vancouver-Manila route appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Air Canada announced the addition of a new direct route between the Vancouver International Airport and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, Philippines.

This announcement marks the latest phase in the strategic expansion of Air Canada’s international network. 

The announcement was made on Thursday, 5th December, during the Government of Canada’s Team Canada Trade Mission currently taking place in the Philippines in celebration of 75 years of Canada-Philippines diplomatic relations. 

Air Canada’s executive vice-president for revenue and network planning / president of cargo Mark Galardo said of the new route: “We are thrilled to add Manila to our global network with new, year-round, non-stop service from Vancouver, Air Canada’s Pacific gateway hub. We continue to pursue our international network strategy of expanding to large, fast-growing markets that are presently unserved directly by Air Canada. The Philippines is an important market reflecting long-standing family ties between our two countries with growing business connections and tourism opportunities.”

Galardo added that, with an extensive domestic and transborder network in Vancouver designed to connect seamlessly to its international flights, Air Canada is making travel between North America and the Philippines even more convenient for leisure and business travellers alike. 

A pivotal addition 

This new service to Manila is Air Canada’s third Southeast Asian route launched over the last two years.

Likewise, Air Canada is the only Canadian carrier scheduled to serve the Philippines, presently the largest market in Asia without direct Air Canada service. 

The new route will operate four times weekly beginning 2nd April 2025, using the airline’s flagship Dreamliner aircraft. 

It will be Air Canada’s 12th route in its transpacific network from Vancouver, which includes Japan, South Korea, People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong SAR, Thailand, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand, leveraging Vancouver’s geographic position as the closest major North American city to Asia.

With this new service, Air Canada will offer over 180 weekly flights between Canada and the Pacific by next summer, the most non-stop flights of any carrier in the market. 

This also marks a continuation of Air Canada’s expansion into fast-growing markets into Southeast Asia, building off recent additions to Singapore and Bangkok, to more than double summer season seat capacity over the Pacific since 2022.

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The post Business rates relief positive, but major employers left unsupported appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

UKHospitality Scotland has said the relief will provide much-needed support for eligible hospitality businesses, but highlighted that thousands will miss out.

The Scottish Government announced that it will introduce 40% business rates relief for hospitality businesses paying the Basic Property Rate. This means businesses with a rateable value up to £51,000 will be eligible.

However, 2,600 Scottish hospitality businesses won’t be eligible for relief. Those businesses will face both increased employer National Insurance Contributions from the UK Budget and an inflationary increase to the Intermediate and Higher Property Rates, announced today in the Scottish Budget.

Leon Thompson, Executive Director of UKHospitality Scotland, said: “The introduction of 40% business rates relief is very positive for venues that are eligible for this support.

“I’m pleased that the Scottish Government has acted on UKHospitality Scotland’s calls for this much-needed support, which had clear cross-party backing.

“With costs mounting for venues across Scotland, this support could be a lifeline for some businesses making tough decisions about whether to invest, take on more staff, or even shutting the doors for good.

“Freezing the Basic Property Rate and providing 100% relief for businesses on the islands are also positive measures that will help to ease the cost burden on the sector. “However, there are around 2,600 businesses that will not be eligible for relief. They face a double-whammy of increased employer taxes and an inflationary rise in their higher level of business rates in April.

“This will seriously threaten their ability to support jobs and we have to recognise that these businesses employ more than half of Scotland’s hospitality workforce.

“Hospitality’s ability to provide jobs for everyone is one of our impactful contributions to Scotland and I am concerned about the unintended consequences those tax rises will have on the ability of those unsupported businesses to support employment.

“I’m grateful that the Scottish Government has acted to introduce relief and I look forward to continuing discussions with them throughout this Budget process, including on how we can ensure major employers in hospitality are supported.”

 

 

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