Overseas travel and tourism statistics published for Q3
2023.
Overseas visitors are coming to Scotland in greater numbers than
before the pandemic.
Figures published today by the Office for National Statistics
show that Scotland has staged a stronger post-pandemic recovery
than the UK as a whole, welcoming 1.4 million international
tourist visits from July to September last year - up 14% on the
same period in 2019.
Visitors spent a record £1.5 billion – 18% more than during the
same three months in 2019 when adjusted for inflation.
At the same time, the number of visits in the UK as a
whole was down compared to the same period in 2019.
Tourism Minister said:
“These encouraging statistics reinforce the resilience,
creativity, commitment and innovation of Scotland’s tourism and
hospitality sector - especially in response to what has been an
incredibly challenging time.
“Scotland’s unique culture, history and landscapes, plus global
events such as the Scottish Open Golf Championship, the UCI World
Cycling Championships and Edinburgh’s world-renowned festivals,
draw visitors from across the world.
“Tourist numbers and spending in Scotland has recovered faster
than the UK as a whole – and overseas visitors are returning
here in greater numbers following the pandemic.
“We recognise that the sector faces challenges such as rising
costs and skills shortages due to Brexit, and we will continue to
support and work with the tourism and hospitality sector to grow
its economic value while delivering the very best for visitors,
businesses, and communities.”
Background
Overseas travel and
tourism, provisional - Office for National Statistics
(ons.gov.uk)
