The Japanese Garden at Cowden, Forth Valley. © Discover Scottish Gardens / Julie Howden |
Scotland top choice for international visitors |
Last week saw figures for the first six months of 2024 released for the International Passenger Survey (IPS). These figures show that Scotland continues to be a destination of choice for international visitors in 2024 and is still outperforming other parts of the UK. They’re a testament to the strength of Scotland’s offering with visits and spend up on 2019 and 2023, which was a record-breaking year for international visitors.
These visitors, who stay longer and spend more, are crucial to our industry and the visitor economy, supporting businesses and communities across the country. Scotland’s strong international recovery has been a result of the work carried out by VisitScotland, industry and partners to drive demand over the last few years.
We must continue to be focused on the important work that is needed to continue to drive sustainable growth from our key markets to ensure Scotland is a year-round destination. In my new role as Chief Executive, I am committed to using our expertise and insight to inspire both domestic and international visitors through the channels we know they use to drive the visitor economy, growing its value to Scotland. Here’s your latest edition of your Tourism Insider.
Kind regards
Vicki Miller
Chief Executive, VisitScotland |
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Cairngorms National Park, Highlands. © VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale |
| International Passenger Survey figures revealed |
International tourism in Scotland continues to outperform other parts of the UK. The Office for National Statistics has published its latest figures for the International Passenger Survey covering the first six months of 2024.
See the results |
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Scottish Thistle Awards 2024 Central and East winners. © VisitScotland |
Celebrating the best in the business |
The Scottish Thistle Awards, with headline sponsor Johnstons of Elgin, celebrate the very best of the tourism and events industry. The Central and East final, South of Scotland final and Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards have now been held and winners announced. Huge congratulations to all the winners and those that were nominated.
Central and East winners
South of Scotland winners
Highlands and Islands winners
Sights are now firmly set on the national final on 21 November. Good luck to everyone! |
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SPECTRA, Aberdeen. © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam |
| Regional events industry engagement workshops |
We’re running a series of free events industry engagement workshops across the country. Hear from sector partners, share good practice, and feedback on your experience of event delivery in your area. Coming up – Glasgow, Aberdeen, Galashiels and Dundee.
Read more and sign up
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Official launch at the Scottish Event Campus. © Craig Watson |
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The 23rd Commonwealth Games will take place in Scotland from 23 July - 2 August 2026, returning to the city of Glasgow. Glasgow 2026 will feature a 10-sport programme concentrated across four venues within an eight-mile corridor.
Glasgow 2026 |
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St Kilda, Outer Hebrides. © VisitScotland / Airborne Lens |
The Outer Hebrides has been named as one of the Best of the World destinations for 2025 by travel authority National Geographic. The Outer Hebrides is no stranger to international recognition and its appearance as the only UK destination in the prestigious list is testament to the islands’ strong pull for visitors, with its breathtaking landscapes and unique heritage. |
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Stephen Leckie with Provost John McMillan and James Barbour at Foxlake Adventure |
| Tourism means business in East Lothian |
Our Chair, Stephen Leckie was recently on a visit to East Lothian to meet with businesses that are leading the charge on responsible tourism and destination development. The visit was organised in conjunction with East Lothian Council.
More on the visit |
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Regional destination narratives |
We’ve been working with partners across Scotland’s regions to develop regional destination narratives through a series of facilitated workshops. This is part of our ongoing commitment to support Scotland’s regions all year-round by sharing resources and expertise with our partners and businesses. |
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Burrow Head Coastal Circuit, Whithorn. © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam |
| Galloway National Park | initial tourism survey |
Tourism businesses in Dumfries and Galloway, and South and East Ayrshire, are invited to complete an initial survey on the proposed Galloway National Park. This survey aims to better understand and represent the views of the industry. Deadline: 4 November.
Find out more |
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Tourism and Hospitality ILG autumn update |
The Tourism and Hospitality Industry Leadership Group (ILG) provides strategic direction to drive Scotland’s ambition to be a world leader in 21st century tourism. This update highlights discussions from its latest meeting, as well as attendance at the Industry Leadership Group Symposium. It includes a video from members on the ILG, sharing ambitions of the group. |
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Help shape the future of cruise tourism in Edinburgh and South East Scotland |
Edinburgh and South East Scotland boasts five key ports—Leith, Rosyth, Newhaven, South Queensferry, and Eyemouth. These vital hubs serve both transit and turnaround passengers, offering significant opportunities for economic, cultural, and environmental benefits across our communities.
To maximise these benefits, a Regional Cruise Passenger Management Plan is being developed. Your insights are crucial, and a survey has been created to allow you to share how cruise tourism affects your business. Survey closes: 31 October. |
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VisitScotland, Waverley Court, 4 East Market Street, Edinburgh, EH8 8BG |
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