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.
These are very welcome figures showing that Scotland’s tourism sector has not only bounced back but has now exceeded the position pre-pandemic.
GRAEME
It is a testament to the strength of this country’s tourist offering, which this Scottish Government is determined to support and ensure works for all.
While tourism to the UK as a whole has seen a slump and slow recovery since the pandemic, Scotland is now performing even better than in 2019 – in spite of the challenges of an unwanted Brexit with its associated labour shortages and increased costs.
It is clear that Scotland is doing something right, and that Scotland – Angus very much included – has so much to offer the world.
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.
TOURISM MINISTER RICHARD LOCHHEAD
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)
