Leader: Help tourism take off

There is more to cutting Air Passenger Duty than simply making a flight slightly cheaper. Airlines are making commitments to increase capacity if APD is reduced, and this could deliver a significant economic boost. We have a strong tourism industry, but the revenue could always be better. Unless we make it easier to get to Scotland, an outpost of Europe with limited transport links, our tourism figures are never going to get much better.

Busier airports mean a more vibrant economy. Picture: Ian Georgeson

To expand the industry, and reap its wider benefits, we need to get more people here. Increased flight frequency and the opening of new routes can do that. APD has a downside over climate targets, but this is an opportunity for badly needed economic growth.