A new proposal for a levy on cruise ships docking in Scotland is concerning industry stakeholders.
- Jacqueline Dobson, President of Barrhead Travel, warns that the tax could hinder cruise industry growth.
- The levy aims to address emissions and tourist impact, supported by the Scottish Green Party.
- Dobson stresses the existing economic contributions of cruise tourism to the UK economy.
- Calls for collaboration between the government and the cruise industry to ensure sustainable growth were made.
The announcement of a proposed levy on cruise ships docking at Scottish ports has raised alarms within the cruise industry. Jacqueline Dobson, President of Barrhead Travel, has voiced significant concerns, suggesting that this levy could pose an additional barrier to the sector’s prospective growth. In light of this, Dobson has called upon the Scottish government to engage constructively with the industry, advocating for investments that bolster ‘meaningful’ sustainable tourism measures.
This proposed taxation initiative is backed by the Scottish Green Party, with an objective to mitigate the dual challenges posed by the emissions produced by cruise ships and the subsequent strain on local port communities due to tourist influx. Dobson has articulated that, as an industry, there is unanimous support for ambitious targets to lower carbon emissions and to ensure that cruise tourism leaves a positive impact on port locales.
Dobson further highlighted the substantial economic input of cruise tourism within the UK, which approximates to £10 billion. With an average expenditure of £100 per passenger in port, this substantial contribution is critical to the local economy. However, there exists an apprehension that the limited number of embarkation points in Scotland drives Scottish tourists to seek outbound sailings from Southampton rather than from within Scotland itself.
Furthermore, Dobson underscored the current investments made by cruise lines in sustainable technology and initiatives that foster community engagement, suggesting that penalising these entities through this new tax may be counterproductive. Rather, she proposes that the Scottish government collaborates with industry stakeholders to explore and cultivate new cruise opportunities, which would reinvigorate local economies and encourage return visits.
Collaboration, Dobson emphasises, should also encompass travel agents, who are instrumental in stimulating demand for cruises departing from Scottish ports. These agents also play a vital role in enhancing local spending both before and after cruise trips, thus further benefiting local economies.
The proposed levy underscores the need for collaborative efforts between the government and the cruise industry to ensure sustainable and mutually beneficial growth.
