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Scotland Outpaces UK in Tourism Surge with 14% Progress in Guests and North American Spending Energy Driving the Financial system
Monday, October 21, 2024
Scotland’s worldwide tourism surged in 2024, with a 14% rise in guests and elevated spending, pushed by robust development from North American vacationers.
Latest information highlights that Scotland’s worldwide tourism has outperformed different UK areas within the first half of 2024. Based on the most recent Worldwide Passenger Survey (IPS) from the Workplace for Nationwide Statistics (ONS), Scotland attracted 1.975 million worldwide guests between January and June, marking a 14% rise in comparison with the identical interval in 2023 and a 46% leap from 2019.
Throughout this era, worldwide vacationers spent roughly £1.5 billion in Scotland, reflecting a 2% improve from 2023 and a 30% development from 2019, as soon as adjusted for inflation.
European guests made up nearly all of these journeys, with North American vacationers exhibiting probably the most important development, reporting a 54% rise in visits in comparison with 2023.
Scotland’s 2024 Tourism Overview (January – June)
Scotland skilled 1.975 million inbound visits, setting a brand new file for Q1 and Q2 2024. This represents a 14% improve in comparison with the identical time in 2023 and a 46% rise from 2019. Q2 alone (April – June) noticed 1.358 million visits, a brand new file for that interval.
Vacationers spent a complete of £1.5 billion within the first half of 2024, with £1.2 billion of that spent in Q2 alone—each file figures. North America was a key development market, with customer numbers up by 54% in comparison with 2023 and 69% increased than in 2019. Spending by North American vacationers rose 29% from 2023 and 48% from 2019, adjusted for inflation.
The ONS is conducting a top quality assurance evaluation of IPS information from 2019 to 2023. Whereas these figures are correct, slight changes might happen. At the moment, solely national-level information for Scotland is on the market, with regional breakdowns anticipated in 2025.
VisitScotland 2023 Customer Survey Highlights
Over 80% of worldwide guests would suggest Scotland to family and friends, with word-of-mouth being the highest inspiration for potential guests.
71% of European guests and 46% of long-haul vacationers expressed a want to return to Scotland inside the subsequent 5 years.
Greater than 70% of worldwide vacationers visited two or extra places throughout their keep.
The important thing motivators for selecting Scotland as a vacation vacation spot embrace its beautiful landscapes, wealthy historical past and tradition, out of doors actions, pleasant locals, and ancestral connections.
