Your Scottish Tourism portal

Scots and Scots at heart, both at home and abroad, are gearing up to celebrate all that is great about the nation during this year's Scotland's Winter Festivals.The season of celebrations to mark Scotland's distinct culture, unique heritage and creativity runs from St Andrew's Day on November 30 through Hogmanay to Burns Season at the end of January and will bring together lovers of all things Scottish from across the globe.

Opportunities for Scotland to shine 2012 to 2014
Ambitious plans for a three-year world-class celebration of Scottish culture and creativity have today been announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs.

The chief executive of the Scottish Tourism Forum quits due to financial pressure on the industry body.

Story From the Scotsman
THE chief executive of Scottish tourism’s main industry body has quit after a cash crisis brought it to the brink of collapse.

"The record number of exhibitors showcasing their quality products at the world's largest food and drink trade show cements our place on the international stage"

Scotland's best food and drink products will be on show in Germany at the world's largest food and drink trade fair.

The RICOH Women’s British Open tees off at Carnoustie Golf Links today (28 July) and the world’s best females are all out to get their hands on the trophy.

The number of visitors to Scotland from other parts of the UK has increased in the past year, according to VisitScotland.

It said the strength of the "staycation" market had helped boost Scotland's economy.

Between January and June 2011, domestic tourism to Scotland rose by 6% the same period in 2010.

The total number of visits to Scotland, including those from outside the UK, rose by 4%.

Visitor spend for the half-year was estimated at £1.7bn.

Tourism in Scotland is heavily dependent on domestic visitors from England, Wales and Northern Ireland. They account for 84% of all trips to Scotland.

VisitScotland's chief executive Malcolm Roughead said: "These figures are very encouraging, particularly as other destinations across the globe are struggling to attract visitors.

"Earlier this year, we launched a major UK campaign, including a stronger focus on the Scottish market, and this is starting to pay dividends.

"However, we must not be complacent. The industry is still suffering from the global economic downturn and we need to continue to promote Scotland in key markets."


“Start Quote
The industry is still suffering from the global economic downturn and we need to continue to promote Scotland in key markets”
Malcolm Roughead - VisitScotland

 

From the BBC

Scotland's tourism businesses have a golden opportunity to exploit the growing market for staycations, Fergus Ewing said today. The Tourism Minister was commenting on a new report that showed Scotland is continuing to feel the positive effects of those holidaying at home, with Scots making 6.4 million overnight visits and spending £1 billion in Scotland last year.

Hopetoun House rolls out new farm shop as part of five-year strategy supported by Scottish Enterprise.

Around £14.3 million of European funding is to be invested to support Scotland's tourism sector, sustainable public transport, develop SMEs, build links between research and business and provide training opportunities.

Record numbers of tourists have shown an interest in Scotland as a result of this year's Drive It Home campaign, the First Minister announced today.Now in its third year, the VisitScotland prize draw promotion saw the number of people showing interest in golfing offers and packages in Scotland quadruple to over 30,000 since the scheme began, and increase 63 percent from last year.