EDINBURGH, Scotland — In a remarkable turnaround, Scotland’s tourism industry has not only recovered from the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic but has also surpassed pre-pandemic levels, setting a new record for international visitors in 2023.
According to a passenger survey conducted by the Office for National Statistics, Scotland welcomed an impressive 3.9 million overseas tourists last year, a staggering 15% increase compared to 2019. This figure surpasses the previous record of 3.7 million international visits set in 2018.
Edinburgh remains the most visited city outside of London, attracting 2.3 million visitors and surpassing Manchester with 1.7 million visits and Birmingham with 934,000 visits.
The surge in visitors has also translated into a significant boost for the Scottish economy, with inbound visitors spending £3.5 billion in 2023, up 13% from the previous year and a remarkable 41% from 2019.
It seems that not only are more tourists flocking to Scotland, but they are also more willing to part with their hard-earned cash while enjoying the country’s stunning landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality.
Malcolm Roughead, chief executive of VisitScotland, hailed these figures as a “turning point for tourism in Scotland.” He emphasized that Scotland is the only region in the United Kingdom to have reached this milestone, a testament to the strength of Scotland’s tourism offering and the global appeal of its attractions.
“Our international visitors are hugely important to Scotland’s tourism industry, as well as the wider economy,” Roughead said. “They often stay longer and spend more, generating several billions of pounds annually, supporting a wide range of businesses, jobs, and communities across the country.”
The majority of international visitors to Scotland in 2023 came from Europe, accounting for 58% of all inbound visits, followed by North America at 24%.
The “other countries” category, which includes Australia and China, saw the most significant increase compared to 2022, with a whopping 53% growth in visitor numbers.
While Scotland’s tourism industry is undoubtedly celebrating this remarkable achievement, other parts of the United Kingdom are also experiencing growth in visitor numbers compared to 2022, albeit not yet reaching the heights of their pre-pandemic levels.
Looking ahead, early feedback from tourism businesses, travel trade, and airline partners suggests that the international demand for Scottish tourism is set to continue into 2024.
Visitors are increasingly interested in exploring lesser-known locations in Scotland and visiting at different times of the year, a trend that could help alleviate the pressure on popular tourist hotspots during peak seasons.
VisitScotland remains focused on sustainably growing the value of Scotland’s visitor economy, encouraging regional and seasonal spread to ensure that Scotland remains a competitive year-round destination.
With its combination of breathtaking natural beauty, the fascinating history, and warm, welcoming people, it seems that Scotland’s tourism industry is well-positioned to continue its impressive growth in the years to come.
Sources:
– Travel trends, Office for National Statistics
– IPS stats May, VisitScotland
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