VisitScotland Chief Executive hails “spectacular growth” in international tourism

VisitScotland Chief Executive, Malcolm Roughead, responds to the release of the quarterly International Passenger Survey (IPS) tourism statistics (Q2 2017) by the UK Office of National Statistics (ONS) and the domestic tourism statistics derived from the Great Britain Tourism Survey. He said:

“It is magnificent to see such spectacular growth from international markets in what has been a busy year for tourism in Scotland. Across the board from accommodation provider to CalMac Ferries to Edinburgh and Glasgow airports, we have heard from many who have had a record-breaking year.

“Such major growth from our international markets can be attributed to increased, targeted marketing activity in key North American and European countries, favourable exchange rates, increased capacity on flights and the Outlander effect which has taken the country by storm since the release of the popular TV series.

“Domestically, the day trip and holiday market is booming in Scotland with a rise in visitors by 9.3% and 4.6% respectively in the first 6 months of the year and this is also reflected by the significant rise in Historic Environment Scotland attractions reported last week which is great to see during the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.

“Of course with great numbers comes great responsibility, and it is imperative the country’s tourism industry remains sustainable. This includes looking at how we can share the tourism windfall with lesser known parts of Scotland and outside of peak season, alongside ensuring that infrastructure meets current and future demand.

“VisitScotland is committed to working in partnership with the government, businesses and communities so that Scotland remains a must-visit destination for future generations of holidaymakers. Tourism is more than a holiday experience, it is integral to sustaining communities across Scotland by generating income, creating jobs and stimulating social change.

STATISTICS BREAKDOWN

YEAR TO DATE (Jan-Jun 2017)

Jan – Jun 2017 - Overseas Visitors
Overseas visits have increased: + 14.0%
Overseas spend has increased: + 35.1%

Jan – Jun 2017 - Domestic Visitors (overall – see actual holiday breakdown below)
Domestic visits have decreased: - 14.5%
Domestic spend has decreased: - 15.9%

Jan – Jun 2017 – Combined Visitors
Total visits have decreased: - 9.6%
Total spend has increased: + 1.6%

Jan – Jun 2017 – Holiday Visitors Only
Domestic Holiday visits have increased: + 4.6%
Domestic Holiday spend has decreased: - 2.0%

Jan – Jun 2017 – Tourism Day Trips

Domestic Day Visits trips have increased: + 9.3% Domestic Day Visit spend has increased: + 48.6%

QUARTER 2 ONLY (2017)

Quarter 2 (Apr - Jun2017) - Overseas Visitors
Overseas visits have increased: + 21.6%
Overseas spend has increased: + 41.8%

Quarter 2 (Apr - Jun2017) – Domestic Visitors
Domestic visits have decreased: - 3.2%
Domestic spend has decreased: - 3.9%

Quarter 2 (Apr - Jun2017) – Combined Visitors
Total visits have decreased: - 10.4%
Total spend has increased: + 14.9%

ROLLING YEAR STATISTICS (Jul 2016– Jun 2017)

Rolling year (Jul 2016 – Jun 2017) – Overseas Visitors)
Overseas visits have increased: + 10.8%
Overseas spend has increased: + 19.4%

Rolling year (Jul 2016 – Jun 2017) – Domestic Visitors)
Domestic visits have decreased: - 10.2%
Domestic spend has decreased: - 15.1%

Rolling year (Jul 2016 – Jun 2017) – Combined Visitors)
Total visits have decreased: - 6.4%
Total spend has decreased: - 2.7%

Q2 Analysis

• Despite a decrease in all tourism trips, domestic holidays have increased throughout 2017. The decrease has been driven by both Visiting Friends & Relatives, and Business Travel.
• The increase in volume and value of day visit activity indicates that tourism is still prospering. However consumers are being more cautious and selective in their spending patterns, which is reflected in the Consumer Confidence and Real Household Disposable Income Index. Day visit activity is reinforced by buoyant attractions sector data from Historic Scotland and the Moffat Centre Visit Attractions Monitor.
• Overseas tourism to Scotland has increased 10.8% in terms of trips, and 19.4% in expenditure for the rolling 12 month period of July 2016 to June 2017. This was largely driven by a 38% increase in trips and 48% in expenditure by visitors from North America. Favourable exchange rates during this period may have attributed to this increase.
• Growth in visitors from North America could be attributed to the added capacity from Delta and Norwegian Air commencing in May and June 2017 respectively.
• Overseas travellers seem to be resilient despite turbulent events throughout 2017.
• UK residents took 35.8 million visits abroad in the first six months of 2017, 4.3% more than the same period last year and spent £14.8 billion (in nominal terms), up 6.4% on the first four months 2016. With International Inbound expenditure for the same six month period recorded at £20.8 billion this resulted in tourism balance of trade deficit of -£10.0 billion. Source: ONS

The ONS statistics are available at:

https://www.ons.gov.uk/releases/overseastravelandtourismprovisionalaprtojune2017