A total of 60% of respondents had less than 3 months cash reserves, with just under a quarter having none, while across all businesses, the standout challenges were energy costs (93%) and the cost of living (84%).

For tourism and hospitality businesses the Short Term Lets (STLs) Licensing Scheme (35%) and energy costs (25%) were the top challenges facing tourism and hospitality businesses.

Government policy-wise, the priority call from businesses was to pause impending regulation; this would help at least 23%. Also, nearly half of respondents are facing an increase in their business rateable values (45%), with 5% experiencing over 75% increase and 9% facing a 50% increase.

A total of 83% of respondents ranked STLs as a challenge; the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) was seen to be a challenge by 58% of those who took part in the survey. A significant number of respondents also called for action on Business Rates, with rates relief to be aligned with England.

Survey respondents continue to call for the UK Government to improve immigration measures; lower VAT for the sector; bring down inflation; lower corporation taxes and business rates; and ensure better distribution of levelling-up funding.

A huge 96% of respondents are ‘not confident’, ‘pessimistic’ or ‘extremely pessimistic’ that the UK Government’s new Energy Bills Discount Scheme will protect the tourism and hospitality industry from energy prices over the next 12 months. While 28% reported that they were ‘extremely pessimistic’ about energy bill protection beyond April 2023.

Marc Crothall, CEO, Scottish Tourism Alliance, said: “The stark reality facing our industry is that the survival of many businesses will be entirely dependent on an immediate change in the direction of government policy.”