Domestic tourism brings outstanding success for Scottish Tourism

Scotland

“After the outstanding success of 2014, we are delighted to see that Scottish tourism is continuing to do exceptionally well during what is a very challenging economic time for many countries around the world.

“Our marketing campaigns this year have focused on inspiring domestic audiences to realise that Scotland is ‘Closer than you think’, and it is clear that our friends in the rest of the UK have discovered just how easy it is to travel here with large rises in both visits and spend. Our Year of Food and Drink has also inspired many to discover the culinary delights on Scotland’s doorstep.”

“The international outlook is complicated with a direct impact from the poor exchange rate of the Euro. However, the North American market remains strong after a buoyant 2014 and we continued to see a large rise in the number of these very important visitors who contribute a lucrative amount to Scottish tourism.

“Overall, the statistics are good, and Scotland bucked the UK trend, but this positive first quarter is by no means a fait accompli for the year. We, as an industry, must work hard to ensure we stay ahead of the game. The success of 2014 raised Scotland’s profile to extraordinary heights, but to keep it there, we have to invest and commit to guarantee that our stunning country remains on top of the world. This will take innovative thinking, planning and collaboration, but with such a beautiful country and such interesting, friendly people, I have no doubt we can make it happen.”