The Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) has announced the appointment of Andy Cliffe (pictured above), Chief Executive Officer of AGS Airports to its Board of Directors.

This strategic move further strengthens the STA’s position as the leading representative body for Scotland’s thriving tourism industry, adding invaluable aviation expertise to the Board.

Driven by a vision to secure better connectivity for Scotland from a leisure and business aviation perspective, Mr Cliffe brings extensive experience and a strong track record of driving regional airport success.

Mr Cliffe joined AGS as Chief Executive in January 2023 following 19 years with Manchester Airports Group (MAG) where he served as a member of the Group’s executive committee.

During his time with MAG, Mr Cliffe held the position of Managing Director of East Midlands and Bournemouth airports. He also held senior positions across a variety of functions including finance, operations, commercial, real estate development, strategy and corporate development.

Latterly, Mr Cliffe was the Chief Executive of Midland Expressway Ltd which operates the UK’s only major toll road, the M6toll.

The announcement was made today at the STA’s AGM & Autumn Conference which brought more than 350 industry leaders to the EICC to hear the latest insights, trends and forecasts on how the sector can collectively deliver the tourism strategy vision, for Scotland to be a leader in 21st century tourism.

Mr Cliffe will take up his position as an STA Director in November, with Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport and Freda Newton, Managing Director of Loch Ness by Jacobite having stood down from the Board on completion of their terms at the end of March this year.

Commenting on Mr Cliffe’s appointment, Stephen Leckie of the STA Board said: “Andy brings with him a unique set of skills and experience to complement the blend of expertise we have around our Board table, strengthening the representative position of the STA and our ability to elevate the key issues and challenges for our industry.”

It is more important than ever that we continue to improve and develop Scotland’s connectivity within the global marketplace, from both a leisure and business perspective.  

Competition has never been fiercer, and we must continue to build on our appeal and marketing success as a destination to attract the international market.  We look forward to working with Andy and benefiting from all he has to bring to the role.”

He added: “I would also like to thank both Gordon and Freda for the immeasurable contributions; their guidance and stewardship within the Board has seen the STA go from strength to strength despite the many challenges which the industry has faced over the last 11 years”. 

Marc Crothall MBE, Chief Executive of the STA added, “I would like to congratulate Andy on his appointment to the STA Board.  We are very much looking forward to working with him and drawing on his considerable experience not only within the aviation industry, but in relation to his experience of infrastructure and connectivity and representation at a time when Scotland must continue to make its presence felt on the international stage.”

Andy Cliffe, Chief Executive of AGS said; “I am delighted to join the STA Board at a critical time for the recovery and growth of the Scottish economy, with our tourism industry at the heart of it.

I join an excellent team of industry leaders and look forward to working with colleagues across the industry and government to support the aims of the STA and our members and partners”.