Boutique Stays Interviews

The Importance of the Self-Catering Industry to Scotland. ASSC.

*As seen in The Logbook. Issue 4.
By Staff Writer.

In Scotland, the traditional short-term rental sector continues to make a positive impact on the Scottish economy. Generating in excess of £732 million a year, professional short-term rentals are a major player in the economic activity within the country. Scotland is a country with significant historic, natural and cultural diversity to offer and the ASSC are working tirelessly to promote and protect this industry.

Led by Chief Executive Fiona Campbell, the ASSC is the leading source of knowledge on short-term rental and holiday homes in Scotland and the only trade body representing the interests of the sector.  The ASSC supports high and consistent standards in self-catering, and a first-class experience for visitors and guests.  It is led, managed and inspired by the people who own and run holiday cottages throughout Scotland. Membership is around 650, representing about 7,000 properties across Scotland.

With the vision to place their members at the forefront of the sector and to represent and promote the interests of all self-catering accommodation businesses in Scotland. As the company is owned by the membership its objectives revolve around their needs. Within its list of priorities are such aspects as establishing, supporting and promoting the quality standards for self-catering accommodations premises and businesses, to represent the interests of its members and advise them on operation methods and to assist in marketing and profitability. To negotiate special terms with suppliers for purchases and to advise on sources of supply. And finally, to promote the image of self-caterers in Scotland in a transparent and suitable manner.

THE ASSC CONFERENCE.

Attracting some of the most important businesses supporting the self-catering sector, the ASSC Annual Conference and Exhibition is the only major event aimed directly at the people and businesses providing short-term let and holiday rental accommodation in Scotland.

The 2018 Conference will also be a UK-wide event, attracting fellow self-caterers / short-term rental operators, suppliers and industry representatives from all over the United Kingdom. Held on Tuesday, 30th October 2018, at the Hilton Glasgow. This year there is a strong focus on The Business of Self-Catering, gleaning essential insights into future developments in the sector; drawing on the expertise and knowledge of UK-wide experts; understanding the challenges being faced in different parts of the country and offering the opportunity to take away valuable and essential practical knowledge from their break-out sessions.

Over 300 business owners, property managers, service providers and industry decision makers are expected to attend. It will offer the opportunity to network with other accommodation providers, industry leaders and providers of sector-specific products and services. The main aim is to inspire, motivate and educate to keep everyone on the same page with industry developments.

Once again, the Conference will be hosted by Willie Cameron, Director of Visit Loch Ness, Director of Highlands & Islands Tourism Awards and Founding Director of the Cobbs Group.   Other notable names that will be appearing will include Xavier Font, Professor of Sustainability Marketing, School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, University of Surrey; Geoff Ramm, motivational and inspirational speaker and Creator of Celebrity Service and OMG Marketing; Stephen Whitelaw, Digital Marketing consultant, Social Media Evangelist and Technology public speaker; and Mark Beaumont, Athlete, Broadcaster and Ambassador will be presenting in the afternoon.

Events like this are important for the industry. They keep people abreast of new developments and potential hurdles, they open up new doors for development and change and new opportunities for growth.

For more information visit: www.assc.co.uk