NEW data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed that Scotland's tourism sector continues to outperform other parts of the UK.
The research, which looked at international visitor numbers for the first six months of 2024, has shown nearly two million inbound visits to the country so far.
There were a total of 1,975,000 visitors to Scotland, representing a 14% increase when compared to the same period last year. This is also a staggering 46% rise when compared to 2019.
Scotland's tourism sector continues to outperform other parts of the UK amid record number of visitors
A walk in #Scotland's woods is truly magical in autumn 😍🍂 Who else wishes they could be here right now?! 🙋♀️
— VisitScotland (@VisitScotland) October 17, 2024
📍 Blue Door Walk, @Visit_Angus 📷 IG/gthomsonphotography #RespectProtectEnjoy pic.twitter.com/2Gd7A90If5
Commenting on the tourism figures, VisitScotland's new CEO Vicki Miller said the nation "continues to be a destination of choice for international visitors" and that it is "still outperforming other parts of the UK."
She added that these findings are a "testament to the strength of Scotland’s offering" with visits up on 2019 and 2023.
5 autumn experiences in #Scotland 🍂
— VisitScotland (@VisitScotland) October 16, 2024
🍁 Falkland Estate, Fife
🙌 Highland Fling Bungee, Perthshire
👻 Paisley Halloween Festival, Renfrewshire
☕️ Hideout Cafe, Edinburgh
🎃 Clackmae Farm, Scottish Borders pic.twitter.com/yok0qNfc65
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The organisation's CEO said 2024 was a "record-breaking" year for international visitors and that tourists coming to the country are staying longer and spending more.
She said that Scotland's "strong international recovery" has been brought about by the hard work carried out by VisitScotland and its partners every single day.
She said: "We must continue building on this across our key markets, inspiring both domestic and international visitors through the channels we know they use to drive the visitor economy, growing its value to Scotland.”
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