Scotland welcomes fewer visitors in second quarter but earns more
International visitors to Scotland in the second quarter of this year spent a record £500 million.
Figures from the Office of National Statistics show there were 7.5% fewer overseas visitors from April to June, but they spent 9% more than in the same period of last year.
For the first six months of 2016, overseas visits were up 2.6% and spend rose 9.3%.
VisitScotland chief executive Malcolm Roughead said:"It is positive to see that Scottish tourism is continuing to perform well in the first half of 2016 with an increase in both visits and spend year on year.
"And the news that, in the second quarter of the year, international visitors have broken through the £500million spend barrier for the first time ever is truly extraordinary.
"In a period of global political and economic issues and uncertainties, it is heartening to see that Scotland has been able to enjoy continued growth and we must credit all those who work hard in the industry day in and day out to ensure our country stays high on visitors’ ‘must experience’ list.~
"With greater airline connectivity than ever before, award-winning food and drink, outstanding accommodation and exciting new attractions, things are looking remarkably good for Scottish tourism, but we cannot afford to be complacent in such unpredictable times.~ We must continue to invest, improve, and innovate to ensure we are resilient and that we remain integral to the Scottish economy."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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