ASSC 2016 Conference

With 213 delegates and 30 exhibitors, this year's ASSC Conference & Trade Exhibition was the biggest to date; a motivational, engaging and thoroughly inspiring event that we hope was enjoyed by all.

Take a look at some testimonials from the 2016 Conference, notes from the presentations and this post by delegate Ian McCaig of Plan B Online on keynote speaker Stephen Whitelaw.  

Save the date for next year - 7th November 2017 at Perth Concert Hall.  We already have a great line up of speakers planned!

Rise in Confidence Levels Across UK Tourism Sector 

UKinbound has released its latest business barometer results indicating that confidence levels across the UK inbound tourism spectrum are at a 12 month high.

Results also show that July/August 2016 bookings and visitor numbers were up year-on-year, with the US leading as the top inbound growth market. Read more..

Affiliate Membership Schemes

The ASSC has partnered up with LoveLochLomond, VisitArran and the Cairngorm Business Partnership, amongst other.  Do you run an organisation that might be interested in joining our affiliate membership scheme? The ASSC will waive the Joining Fee for your members, and in return ask that organisations offer an incentive for ASSC members to join them. For more information please contact Chief Executive Fiona Campbell.

Quality Assurance Survey

We conducted a survey on the importance of quality assurance, asking for views via the EmbraceScotland social media channels and newsletter.  The results showed that quality assurance does matter to many when booking.  Read more...

Economic Impact Study

The ASSC commissioned Frontline Consultants to carry out a major study to measure the Economic Impact of the Self-Catering sector in Scotland.  The aim of the study is to provide an independent, evidence-based, understanding of the direct and indirect economic impact/contribution of the self-catering sector to the Scottish economy.  As part of the research Frontline has carried out two surveys; a survey of owners and managers of self-catering properties and a survey of visitors to these properties.  

The surveys close at the end of December.

Results are expected to be published early next year. 

Airbnb Introduces 90-day Annual Lift for London Hosts 

Airbnb announced that from next spring it will ban hosts in London from renting out entire homes for more than 90 days a year without official consent.  With City Councils worldwide clamping down on short-term letting the ASSC will be watching closely and ensuring restrictions do not come into force in Scotland.  Read more...

Barometer Survey Results

At the end of August we surveyed our members about the season from 31 December 2015 - 31 July 2016.  43.7% said that bookings for this period were slightly better or the same, with 6.6% saying they were substantially better and 17.2% saying they were lower or substantially lower.  Read more...

Tourism Tax, Visitor Levy or Bed Tax

Like most tourism businesses in Scotland the ASSC does not support a tourist tax, visitor levy or bed tax. Read more...

Recruitment Drive

A significant recruitment drive was launched in October to increase membership and grow the Association. Over 12,500 letters were sent out to owners of self-catering properties in Scotland.  You can find out more about the benefits of joining here.

Growth Funding for 'Paws for a Break' Campaign

In August we secured funding from VisitScotland’s Growth Fund to encourage members to consider welcoming pets and to highlight to visitors to Scotland the advantages of choosing self-catering accommodation when holidaying with the family pet.

The year-long marketing campaign, Paws for a Break, will focus primarily on dogs.  

As part of the campaign we asked for nominations for the first Paws for a Break Award and the winner will be announced in the New Year.  Read more...

Paws for a Break Pets Welcome Charter  

The ASSC believes that self-catering should be a perfect fit for holiday-makers with pets and we're asking our pet-friendly to meet the requirements of our new Paws for a Break Pets Welcome Charter.

ASSC Members offer guests a warm welcome and many members already welcome pets.

The Paws for a Break Pets Welcome Charter allows members to show potential guests that they make an extra effort to ensure pet owners feel comfortable on holiday, with appropriate facilities and services that demonstrate an alignment to the ASSC’s long-standing commitment to quality, which helps us stand out in a crowded marketplace.  Read more...

Rise in Bookings Since Brexit Vote

Self-catering accommodation owners in the UK have enjoyed a rise in bookings since the Brexit vote.  

Bookings for self-catering properties in the United Kingdom (UK) increased by 1.7% in July and August compared with the same period last year.  

This is despite the doom and gloom forecast since the UK voted to leave the European Union (EU) in late June.  Read more...