Tourists heading north of the border spent more last year, with spending growth outstripping London for the first time. During 2013, the number of visitors to Scotland grew by 9.8 per cent to 2.44 million, with Edinburgh attracting 1.3 million tourists spending one night or more in the city. This made Scotland’s capital the second most popular city for tourism in the UK, behind London.
Furthermore, tourist spending rose by an impressive 20 per cent, perhaps as a result of the wider advertising of activities and events taking place both in larger cities and in rural areas of the Highlands. Amounting to £1.68 billion in total, this rate of spending not only grew at a faster pace than London’s, but was a larger hike than the UK average as a whole.
VisitScotland chairman Mike Cantlay called the result “spectacular”, especially following the relatively subdued 4 per cent rise in tourism spending of the previous calendar year.
He said; “With the success of Brave and the Year of Natural Scotland, the country benefited from an unprecedented level of international marketing.
“Securing new direct flight routes has also been invaluable, making it easier for visitors to reach Scotland and connect with our stunning urban and rural attractions.”
Mr Cantlay is upbeat about the future too, believing that upcoming events in Scotland will allow for another successful year of tourism.
He says; “The investment in the events of 2014 such as Homecoming Scotland, the Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup will undoubtedly keep up this momentum throughout this year and beyond.
“This will showcase Scotland to a global audience and confirm its position as a world class venue for events, business and leisure tourism.”
The figures will also be welcomed by the Scottish retail and leisure industries which will be hoping that the trend continues, setting tills ringing in shops, restaurants, hotels and bars in Edinburgh and beyond.
Previous Post
American Eagle lands in London
