How is the SNP supporting Scottish tourism & economic development

Tourism plays a crucial role in Scotland’s local and national economies and the SNP is committed to making sure it continues to grow, develop and prosper.

An innovative, resilient and welcoming tourism industry is vital, not only for Scotland’s future prosperity but for Scotland’s place in the world. Scotland’s tourism and hospitality sector covers a diverse range of businesses, including tourist attractions, accommodation providers, travel providers, restaurants, cafes and bars.

The SNP know and recognise just how vital the retail sector is to Scotland’s economy. It is crucial to the vision of a wellbeing economy described in the Scottish Government’s ten-year National Strategy for Economic Transformation.

Shops and retailers support local communities; attract people into our towns and cities; utilise local supply chains; offer fulfilling employment and support other economic sectors such as tourism and hospitality.

As well as playing a key role in Scotland’s economy, tourism, retail and hospitality contributes to thriving communities, through supporting local development and promoting local businesses, creating jobs and enabling visitors and residents alike to experience the incredible offer we have in Scotland.

We share a vision with the tourism industry for Scotland to be a global leader in tourism and one of the most economically, environmentally and socially sustainable destinations in the world. Scotland is an exceptionally popular tourist destination. The domestic and international visitors we welcome every year have a significant and positive impact on the Scottish economy.

By introducing the Visitor Levy, we can help achieve that vision by empowering councils to raise funding, if they wish to do so, that can be invested in local visitor services and activities. All money raised can be reinvested locally on facilities and services used by visitors, enhancing the tourist experience while benefitting local communities and their economies.

We are delivering for Scottish business, thanks to the SNP’s 2025-26 Scottish Budget, over 95% of non-domestic properties will pay lower property tax than anywhere else in the UK, with over 100,000 taken out of rates altogether.

The SNP Budget protects the Small Business Bonus Scheme – the most generous small business rates relief in the UK.

Businesses and communities will be supported through 40% Non-Domestic Rates relief for the 92% of hospitality premises liable for the Basic Property Rate, capped at £110,000 per business, and hospitality rates relief is 100% in Scotland’s islands.