Scottish Tourism Forum Welcome Macdonald Hotels & Resorts As Patron Member

December 4th 2006

The Scottish Tourism Forum, the independent forum for Scottish tourism businesses and organisations, has unveiled its first Patron Member - Macdonald Hotels & Resorts - ahead of its Open Meeting on 5 December.

Commenting on the new Patron, Alan Rankin, Chief Executive of STF, said: "Macdonald Hotels are one of the top fifty companies in Scotland and are respected and leading players in the Scottish tourism industry. We look forward to working with them on a variety of matters. As the industry representative body we are determined to fight for our members on issues that can affect or restrict profitable and sustainable growth."

To remain the first point of contact for the Scottish politicians and public sector STF must operate from a strong membership base. A respected business such as Macdonald Hotels being associated with STF will further strengthen our position and help amplify our voice as we speak on behalf of an industry that employs over 215,000 people in over 20,000 businesses.

A Scottish-based business, Macdonald Hotels & Resorts was established in the north-east in 1990. The group, which now operates a portfolio of 68 hotels and six resorts, including 18 properties in Scotland, has a strong focus on growth within the premium 4 and 5 star hotel market. It recently embarked on a programme of investment, refurbishing a number of properties such as the Macdonald Marine Hotel & Spa in North Berwick, and Macdonald Rusacks Hotel in St Andrews, and is now expanding into new city centre locations such as Bristol, and Manchester.

Peter Murphy, Managing Director, Scotland at Macdonald Hotels, said, "There are many issues facing the tourism industry today, from educating and recruiting talented people to legislative and planning matters, and we are delighted to be able to lend our voice and experience to such a respected Forum. I am confident that by working together, the Scottish Tourism Forum can help to direct positive change in the industry ensuring both its longevity, and that it exceeds the 50% growth target by 2015."

The Scottish Tourism Forum Open Meeting - Profitable Growth for a Sustainable Future - will be held at Macdonald Inchyra Grange on Tuesday 5 December.

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