The MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire has called for Tourism to be a key focus in the South of Scotland Economic Enterprise.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work, Keith Brown MSP gave a statement on the progress of South Scotland Economic Enterprise and said the focus would be on: ‘farming, forestry and land management, key sectors, education and skills, infrastructure, communities and business support.’
Rachael Hamilton called on the SNP Government to focus on Tourism as a key sector. The sector is one of the biggest in the South of Scotland and contributes £194 million to the Scottish Borders economy annually alone.
The Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Culture and Tourism argues that by growing the Tourism sector it will help improve productivity, business size and wages – all below the Scottish average.
Rachael Hamilton MSP said: "Tourism must be a focus of the South of Scotland Economic Enterprise. It makes a contribution to the region and by not including it as a focus it may be overlooked or not be able to fully capitalise on the opportunities the Enterprise will bring.
"This is a great opportunity for the South of Scotland and the Scottish Borders and we need to make sure we get this right. That means focusing on the key areas that drive our local economies.
"The Highlands and Islands Enterprise know this too well – and that is why they have made Tourism a focus and reaped rewards because of it. To focus on Tourism in the South of Scotland can help improve low productivity, increase below average business size and grow low wages."