OVERSEAS visitors arrived in Scotland in record numbers in the first half of 2016, a new report has revealed, with quarterly spending from international guests breaking the £500 million barrier for the first time.
Data from the UK Office of National Statistics (ONS)International Passenger Survey revealed overseas visits for the first six months of 2016 were up 2.6% on the same period last year, with visitor spending up 9.3% for the same period.
Marc Crothall, chief executive of the Scottish Tourism Alliance, said Scotland has experienced “tremendous success as a global tourist destination during 2016”, adding that the latest stats are “very encouraging” and “should offer confidence to the industry at this uncertain time”.
VisitScotland chief exec Malcolm Roughead said it is “heartening to see that Scotland has been able to enjoy continued growth and we must credit all those who work hard in the industry”.
