Tuesday, May 21, 2024 Nearly four million people visited Scotland last year, up from 3.7 million before the pandemic, according to new data from the International Passenger Survey by the Office of National Statistics. This growth marks a significant milestone for Scotland, making it the only part of the UK to achieve record levels of tourism growth in the past year.
Incoming Visit Scotland CEO Vicki Miller highlighted that nearly 20% of visitors to Scotland are from international markets. She noted that international tourists are crucial as they tend to stay longer and spend more, contributing 46% of the total tourism value in Scotland. Outgoing VisitScotland chief executive Malcolm Roughead echoed these sentiments, stating that the figures signify not just recovery but growth, with international visitors exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
He emphasized the importance of these visitors to Scotland’s tourism industry and the broader economy, pointing out that they support various businesses, jobs, and communities across the country. Tourist spending in Scotland saw a dramatic increase, with expenditures reaching £3.5 billion, up from £2.
5 billion in 2019, marking a 41% rise. This surge in spending provides a significant boost to both local and national economies. This growth is also reflected in the aviation sector, with new routes and increased flight frequencies connecting Scotland more efficiently to the USA, Canada, the UAE, and China.
Scotland’s top tourist attractions .
