Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston has slammed the SNP's decision to ditch the role of Tourism Minister and create a new taxpayer role focused on campaigning for independence.
The Scottish Conservatives Shadow Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise said the move has left Scotland's tourism industry without a dedicated voice in government, and that it highlighted the SNP's warped priorities.
He argued that it was a stark reminder of just how little the SNP valued Scotland’s important tourism businesses, and the low regard it showed for a sector that supports jobs and livelihoods across the Highlands and Islands and across Scotland country.
Mr Halcro Johnston said: "Scotland is a world-renowned destination and Scotland’s tourism industry is one of Scotland's most significant sectors.
“That is particularly true here in the Highlands and Islands, where tourism supports thousands of jobs and livelihoods in communities across the region.
“But that fact seems to be lost on Humza Yousaf and the SNP, and this shameful decision to cut the Tourism Minister role sends entirely the wrong message to the sector and to those who have worked tirelessly over the last few years to rebuild it after the difficulties of the pandemic.
“And those difficulties have been exacerbated by an SNP government, forever pushing through new regulations and restrictions on tourism businesses, and one failing to provide the vital infrastructure – such as reliable road, rail and ferries networks – the sector needs.
"That is why it is unbelievable to see Humza Yousaf's misplaced priorities in ditching the Tourism role, but also creating a new taxpayer-funded Minister for Independence. The SNP's obsession with separation clearly takes precedence over the needs of Scotland’s businesses and workers.
“It is a slap in the face for Scotland’s tourism businesses, coming just when they most need someone in government in Edinburgh to champion their interests, support their recovery and help the sector reach its full potential”.
