Minister Meets Holiday Park Owners at Scottish Annual Summit
Senior Scottish Government and tourism industry figures came together in Grangemouth this November for the annual conference of the British Holiday and Home Parks Association (Scotland). The event brought together owners and operators from many of Scotland’s 200 park businesses which play a major role in the country’s £991 million camping, caravan and glamping sector.
Delegates met at the Macdonald Inchyra Hotel to hear from a line up of speakers including Business Minister Richard Lochhead who holds special responsibility for tourism. He was welcomed to the conference by Scottish BH&HPA Director Keith Campbell and the association’s National Chairman Ian James. Mr Lochhead told members:
“Campsites and holiday parks make a valuable contribution to our national and local economies and support thousands of jobs in coastal and rural areas.
They are also taking great steps to champion greener getaways to help achieve Scotland’s net zero ambitions. And with the rise in campervan ownership they are becoming ever more popular.
I have seen for myself how parks work within communities to provide the best possible and often more affordable visitor experience while supporting other local businesses.”
Guest speakers given insight into the future of the industry
The conference also heard from other guest speakers on a range of topics affecting park businesses, many of which in Scotland are long established family enterprises. Subjects included an examination of how AI will impact the tourism sector by Joshua Ryan Saha of the Edinburgh Futures Institute. Holiday trends were analysed by Marc Crothall, CEO of the Scottish Tourism Alliance and delegates also heard from Carron Tobin, Director of the Scottish Community Tourism Network.
Other speakers discussed the possible effects of the Westminster Government’s autumn Budget on park businesses, along with concerns about recent changes to inheritance tax regulations. Delegates also explored the association’s continued opposition to the visitor levy which local authorities will be able to impose on overnight accommodation, increasing holiday costs for families.
Running alongside the well attended conference was an exhibition showcasing suppliers of goods and services to Scottish holiday parks.
Bringing the conference to a close, BH&HPA Director Keith Campbell said that holiday parks had played a key role in helping Scotland’s tourism industry recover following the pandemic. He noted that the sector had achieved this by continuing to invest heavily in their businesses and by providing high quality experiences for guests at affordable prices.
Mr Campbell, owner of Highland Holidays which operates award winning parks in Tyndrum, Oban and Ben Nevis, also thanked BH&HPA Scottish Policy Director Sarah Allanson for organising the conference and Director General Debbie Walker who attended the event.
Key Facts
- Event: BH&HPA Scotland Annual Conference
- Location: Macdonald Inchyra Hotel, Grangemouth
- Attendees: Scottish park owners, tourism leaders and government representatives
- Sector value: £991 million contribution to Scotland’s economy
- Topics discussed: AI, tourism trends, inheritance tax changes, visitor levy, economic challenges and opportunities
- Organisers: BH&HPA Scotland, led by Keith Campbell and Sarah Allanson
Highlights
- Strong government and industry engagement on the future of Scotland’s holiday park sector
- Focus on sustainability, affordability and community benefit
- Insightful talks on AI, tourism trends and economic policy
- Reinforcement of the sector’s crucial role in post pandemic tourism recovery
- Exhibition showcasing suppliers to Scottish holiday parks
- Celebration of long standing family run park businesses across Scotland
FAQs About the BH&HPA Scotland Conference
What is the BH&HPA Scotland conference?
It is an annual gathering of Scottish holiday park owners and tourism leaders to discuss industry trends, challenges and opportunities.
Who attended the 2025 event?
Attendees included Scottish Government representatives, park businesses, tourism organisations and suppliers.
What were the main topics covered?
Speakers explored AI in tourism, holiday trends, inheritance tax changes, the proposed visitor levy and the impact of government policy on holiday parks.
Why is the event important?
Holiday parks are a major contributor to Scotland’s tourism sector. The conference helps ensure the industry remains informed, connected and supported.
What value does the sector bring to Scotland?
Camping, caravan and glamping parks contribute around £991 million each year to the Scottish economy and support thousands of jobs.
Who organised the event?
The conference was organised by BH&HPA Scotland, led by Scottish Policy Director Sarah Allanson, with support from Director General Debbie Walker.
