New figures show that Scotland experienced a record-breaking influx of international visitors in 2023, welcoming 3.9 million tourists, marking a 15% increase from 2019. The 2023 International Passenger Survey by the Office of National Statistics showed a significant 23% increase from 2022, which saw 3.2 million visitors, and the previous record was set in 2018 with 3.7 million visitors. Notably, Scotland was the only UK nation to surpass its 2019 international tourism levels.
North American and European visits rose by 16% and 19%, respectively, while visits from other countries, including Australia and China, surged by 53% compared to 2022. The data highlighted that international visitors spent £3.5 billion, a 41% rise from 2019.
“These figures mark a turning point for tourism in Scotland, showing not only recovery but crucially growth in international visitors with number of visits and spend now above 2019 levels. Scotland is the only UK region to have reached this milestone,” said VisitScotland Chief Executive Malcolm Roughead. “They are further evidence of the strength of Scotland’s offering and the clear desire for people across the world to experience this, with record demand from North America.”
“Our international visitors are hugely important to Scotland’s tourism industry, as well as the wider economy. They often stay longer and spend more, generating several billions of pounds annually, supporting a wide range of businesses, jobs and communities across the country. With many businesses still recovering from the challenges of the pandemic and current economic climate, this will be welcome news.”
“Early feedback from tourism businesses, travel trade and airline partners are this international demand is continuing into 2024 with increasing interest for visiting at different times of the year and exploring lesser-known locations.”
Full details can be viewed here.
The village of Kildonan on the Isle of Arran, Scotland. JIM BYERS PHOTO
New Survey Confirms Scotland as Must-Visit, Must-Return Destination
VisitScotland’s latest Scotland Visitor Survey reveals a growing reputation for Scotland as a must-visit and must-return destination. The survey, conducted in 2023 and one of the biggest undertaken by the national tourism organisation, found that 82% of visitors are likely to recommend Scotland, up from 75% in 2015/2016. Over three quarters (80%) expressed intent to return within the next five years. Given tourism’s £10.6bn contribution to the economy, repeat visits and word-of-mouth recommendations are crucial for post-pandemic recovery.
This survey, typically conducted every few years, offered insights into visitors’ motivations and experiences, with scenery and landscape being the top draw (70%). Personal recommendations heavily influenced over half of visitors, while 71% rated their Scottish experience highly – as a 9 out of 10 or higher. Notably, almost 60% of long-haul visitors deemed it their best holiday ever.
My wife and I had a splendid time in Scotland last fall, visiting Edinburgh for a few days, Glasgow for a day, and the wonderful Isle of Arran for five glorious days.
YOU MAY NOT BELIEVE IT, BUT LOST BAGGAGE INCIDENTS ARE FALLING FAST
A crowd waiting for bags at Toronto Pearson Airport.
According to a new report, the global number of mishandled bags by airlines is falling fast.
The study says the number of lost or mishandled bags per 1,000 passengers fell from 7.6 to 6.9 in 2023 despite rising passenger numbers.
The report from SITA (Société Internationale de Télécommunications Aéronautiques) reflects the positive impact of technology, with a 63% drop in mishandling from 2007 to 2023, even as passenger traffic increased by 111%, my friends at Open Jaw note.
The report also provides an analysis of North America, showing a modest drop in the baggage mishandling rate from 7.1 per 1,000 passengers in 2007 to 5.8 in 2023.
Air Canada has a service that sends passengers updates about their checked bags, so you know when it’s on the plane and when it’s arrived in your destination.
