1,438,000 visitors came to Scotland last year between July and September – the peak tourist months. This is 14% more than visited over the same period before the Covid-19 pandemic hit.

During summer 2023 Scotland welcomed visitors in ever increasing numbers:

Figures for July to September 2019 – 2023

Year – July to September	Visitors
2023	1,438,000
2022	1,355,000
2021	166,000
2020	n/a
2019	1,264,000

The data released by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) shows a very positive outlook for Scotland’s Tourist Industry. Total figures for the year 2023 are not yet available.

Total Figures for the whole year 2019 – 2022

Year	Visitors
2022	3,234,000
2021	479,000
2020	n/a
2019	3,460,000

Commenting on the figures Tourism Minister in the Scottish Government Richard Lochhead said:

“These encouraging statistics reinforce the resilience, creativity, commitment and innovation of Scotland’s tourism and hospitality sector – especially in response to what has been an incredibly challenging time. 

“Scotland’s unique culture, history and landscapes, plus global events such as the Scottish Open Golf Championship, the UCI World Cycling Championships and Edinburgh’s world-renowned festivals, draw visitors from across the world.”

Visitors to Scotland are also spending more – a record £1.5 billion – 18% more than during the same three months in 2019 when adjusted for inflation.

Richard Lochead said:

“Tourist numbers and spending in Scotland has recovered faster than the UK as a whole – and overseas visitors are returning here in greater numbers following the pandemic.

“We recognise that the sector faces challenges such as rising costs and skills shortages due to Brexit, and we will continue to support and work with the tourism and hospitality sector to grow its economic value while delivering the very best for visitors, businesses, and communities.”

A Visitor Levy Bill has passed Stage 1 in the Scottish Parliament. This would allow Local Authorities to charge a tax on each visitor to their community. What the level of this tax would be and whether or not it would be a fixed rate, as well as a lot of other details are still to be worked out. Visitor Levy Passes Stage 1 But Cruise Ships Not Included

Orkney is the top UK destination for Cruise Liners which currently are not included in the Visitor Levy proposed legislation. 254 liners are due to visit Orkney this year, 2024. Orkney Islands Council (OIC) has estimated that £12 – £15million a year is injected into the economy of the islands either directly or indirectly through the Cruise Liner sector.

After significant concerns were expressed by islanders about the impact of over tourism affecting daily life in Orkney, streets closed off etc, councillors on OIC, which is responsible for Orkney Harbours, agreed to a new cruise booking and confirmation policy to ” bring a more defined and transparent process for the busiest locations in Orkney, including Hatston Pier, Kirkwall Anchorage and the Kirkwall Piers.”

Figures are not available for how much cruise passengers, and the crew, spend whilst in Orkney in retail premises. Not all cruise ships overnight in Orkney but call in for part of the day. Many of the passengers visit top spots organised by the Cruise companies in bus tours to a few locations such as The Ring of Brodgar, Skara Brae and The Italian Chapel – depending on how much time they have ashore.

Other visitors and independent travellers are advised that these locations will be very busy when cruise ships are in and if possible choosing a day or another time would give a better experience.

Fiona Grahame