The Scottish Passenger Agents Association (SPAA) has joined forces with several industry bodies to challenge proposals from the Scottish government to introduce a levy on cruise ships docking in the country.

President of the SPAA Jacqueline Dobson – who took up the mantle earlier this month – told Cruise Trade News the tax would be “detrimental” to the Scottish economy and the country’s tourism industry.

The levy was put forward earlier this year by the Scottish Green Party to tackle the “twin challenges” of reducing emissions and the impact of tourists on port towns.

As a result, the SPAA has partnered with CLIA, the UK Chamber of Shipping, the Ports Authority and Cruise Britain in a bid to combat the tax from being implemented.

“We want to convince the Scottish government to create a positive cruise policy in Scotland,” Dobson said. “We need to know the exact details of the proposed levy, as we currently don’t have any information.

“We are working with the government to try and avoid it first of all, and then if it does come in to force, find out how it is managed and what the money will be used for, because it should – if it is going to be imposed – be used to regenerate the cruise industry in Scotland by going back into port infrastructure.”

Proposed levy could have ‘detrimental impact’, says SPAA president

Dobson said the levy, if approved, could have a serious knock-on effect to the country’s tourism industry and the wider Scottish economy.

“It could put cruise lines off of docking in Scotland,” Dobson warned. “I hope it doesn’t of course, because the destination is so beautiful and people want to see it.”

According to the SPAA, between 2014 and 2019, there was a 90% growth in cruise ship calls in Scotland, with passengers spending £600 per person on average in port cities over the course of a seven day cruise.

It is also estimated each cruise call in Scotland generates £104,000 for the economy, meaning around £40.6 million was generated in total in port cities in 2019 by cruise passengers alone.

As well as continuing the organisation’s lobbying efforts in 2024, in her new role Dobson will look to increase domestic flight connectivity between Scotland and the rest of the UK and improve and increase trade training initiatives.

“I think for the most part over the next two years, we can really build on the positive momentum we have seen since coming out of the pandemic,” Dobson continued.

“Obviously there could be some headwinds on the way depending on what happens, but I think it will be a good peaks which will last longer than normal. I also believe we will have a great lates period as well.”

Dobson to continue championing high street agents

Over the next six to 12 months Dobson and the SPAA will continue their lobbying efforts in regards to the country’s cruise industry, but also on the regeneration of the high street.

Dobson, who said travel agents are “propping up the high street”, urged the Scottish government and local councils to start attracting retailers back to physical premises in a bid to drive more footfall.

“We need local councils to start attracting retailers back to the high street, and that will probably start with the continuation of the rates relief,” Dobson said.

“Westminster has already increased the relief until next year, which is great, but we now need to see it from the Scottish government, so we will be lobbying for that.”

Dobson also hopes to attract more cruise lines to offer itineraries out of Scotland, making it easier for Scottish travellers to board ex-UK cruises.

“People like to depart from their local port and Scotland has the infrastructure to allow that, and there’s no reason why we can’t have more Scottish departures.”