VisitScotland Chief Executive, Malcolm Roughead, responds to the release of the quarterly (Q3 2017) International Passenger Survey (IPS) tourism statistics by the UK Office of National Statistics (ONS) and the domestic tourism statistics derived from the Great Britain Tourism Survey.
He says: “It is absolutely phenomenal to see just how much growth there was in summer 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 with overseas visits up by 14.6% and domestic visits up by 10% from July to September.
He attributes the increase in visits to a number of different factors, including:
- Increased capacity on air routes from countries all across the world
- Favourable exchange rates
- ‘The Outlander effect’ – vistors coming to experience the land that inspired the books and TV series.
He adds: “More than that, we are noticing a real uplift in the staycation market. This is a real testament to the hard work of our tourism industry which is constantly innovating and investing to ensure visitors receive not only a quality experience, but a memorable one.
“Pioneering partnerships have been at the heart of VisitScotland marketing activity, ensuring we reach more potential visitors globally in new and exciting ways.
“Our focus on digital marketing and unique PR campaigns including an ambitious YouTube influencer campaign has been very successful, with Scotland punching above its weight on a global platform.”
KEY FACTS
QUARTER 3 ONLY (Jul – Sept 2017)
Overseas visits have increased: +14.6%
Overseas spend has increased: +4.3%
Domestic visits have increased: +10%
Domestic spend has increased: +24.7%
Combined overseas and domestic visits have increased: +11%
Combined overseas and domestic spend has increased: +14%
ROLLING YEAR STATISTICS (Oct 2016 – Sept 2017)
Overseas visits have increased: +14.8%
Overseas spend has increased: +14.7%
Domestic visits have decreased: -1.5%
Domestic spend has increased: +1.5%
Combined overseas and domestic visits have increased: +2%
Combined overseas and domestic spend has increased: +7%
YEAR TO DATE (Jan – Sept 2017)
Overseas visits have increased: +14.3%
Overseas spend has increased: +18.3%
Domestic visits have decreased: -5.5%
Domestic spend has stayed the same: -0.4%
Combined overseas and domestic visits have decreased: -1%
Combined overseas and domestic spend has increased: +7%
Domestic holiday visits: +8.5%
Domestic holiday expenditure: +12.7%
Domestic day visits: +7.4%
Domestic day visit expenditure: +29.3%
