Editing Tourism in Scotland

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[[File:Holiday043.jpg|thumb|right|[[Edinburgh Castle]], one of Scotland's most visited attractions]]
[[File:KelvingroveArtGalleryFrontElevation.jpg|thumb|[[Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum]] in Glasgow]]
[[File:Edinburgh Castle Rock.jpg|thumb|Edinburgh Castle dominates the city skyline]]
[[File:LochNessUrquhart.jpg|thumb|[[Loch Ness]]]]
[[File:Wfm db forth bridges.jpg|thumb|The [[Forth Road Bridge]] and [[Forth Bridge]] north of Edinburgh]]
[[File:Melrose Abbey 013.jpg|thumb|The ruins of [[Melrose Abbey]], [[Scottish Borders]]]]
[[File:Scottish Bagpiper at Glen Coe, Scotland - Diliff.jpg|thumb|A Scottish [[Great Highland Bagpipe]] player in front of [[Bidean nam Bian]], [[Glen Coe]].]]
[[File:Scotch regions.svg|thumb|The distinct districts of Scotch whisky production]]
{{UK Mainland UNESCO World Heritage Sites image map}}

[[Scotland]] is a well-developed [[tourist destination]], with [[tourism]] generally being responsible for sustaining 200,000 jobs mainly in the service sector, with tourist spending averaging at £4bn per year.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Tourism | title=Tourism | publisher=The Scottish Government | access-date=2006-01-10 | archive-date=2008-07-08 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080708201304/http://www.scotland.gov.uk./Topics/Tourism | url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2013, for example, UK visitors made 18.5 million visits to Scotland, staying 64.5 million nights and spending £3.7bn. In contrast, overseas residents made 1.58 million visits to Scotland, staying 15 million nights and spending £806m. In terms of overseas visitors, those from the [[United States]] made up 24% of visits to Scotland, with the United States being the largest source of overseas visitors, and [[Germany]] (9%), [[France]] (8%), [[Canada]] (7%) and [[Australia]] (6%), following behind.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.staruk.org.uk//default.asp?ID=659&parentid=469 | title=Visit Britain: Insights and Statistics | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051203095216/http://www.staruk.org.uk/default.asp?ID=659&parentid=469 | archive-date=2005-12-03 }}</ref>

Scotland is generally seen as a destination with beautiful scenery combined with thousands of historic sites and attractions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/attractions/historic/|title=Scotland {{!}} ALBA|website=VisitScotland}}</ref> These include prehistoric [[stone circle]]s, [[standing stone]]s and [[burial chamber]]s, and various [[Bronze Age]], [[Iron Age]] and [[Stone Age]] remains. There are many historic castles, houses, and battlegrounds, ruins and museums. Many people are drawn by the [[culture of Scotland]].

The main tourist season is generally from April to October. Summer sees busier roads and crowded ferries, while winter brings unpredictable weather and challenging conditions, especially in mountainous areas.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tip for Travelling Around Scotland by Tom & Laura - Scotland, United Kingdom - Rexby |url=https://www.rexby.com/traveltwo_/t/tip-for-travelling-around-scotland |access-date=2025-03-15 |website=www.rexby.com |language=en}}</ref> In addition to these factors, the national tourist agency, [[VisitScotland]], have deployed a strategy of [[niche marketing]], aimed at exploiting, amongst other things, Scotland's strengths in [[Golf in Scotland|golf]], [[Fishing in Scotland|fishing]] and [[Scottish cuisine|food and drink]] tourism.

==Statistics==
Most visitors (for any purpose) to Scotland in 2018 came from the following countries:<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 2019 |title=Key Facts on Tourism in Scotland 2018 |url=https://www.visitscotland.org/binaries/content/assets/dot-org/pdf/research-papers-2/key-facts-on-tourism-in-scotland-2018-v2.pdf |website=VisitScotland.org}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Rank
! Country
! Number
|-
|1||{{flagicon|United States}} [[United States]]|| 492,000
|-
|2||{{flagicon|Germany}} [[Germany]]|| 451,000
|-
|3||{{flagicon|France}} [[France]]|| 318,000
|-
|4||{{flagicon|Italy}} [[Italy]]|| 268,000
|-
|5||{{flagicon|Spain}} [[Spain]]|| 205,000
|-
|6||{{flagicon|Australia}} [[Australia]]|| 172,000
|-
|7||{{flagicon|Netherlands}} [[Netherlands]]||  172,000
|-
|8||{{flagicon|Canada}} [[Canada]]||  131,000
|-
|9||{{flagicon|Sweden}} [[Sweden]]|| 121,000
|-
|10||{{flagicon|Norway}} [[Norway]]|| 106,000
|-
|-
!!!Rest of the World!! 1,102,000
|-
!!!Total overseas tourist visits!! 3,538,000
|}

==Tourist destinations==
* [[Edinburgh]] is the capital city. The [[Old Town, Edinburgh|Old]] and [[New Town, Edinburgh|New Towns]] of the city constitute a [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]]. Edinburgh is the largest tourist destination in Scotland, and the second largest in the United Kingdom after [[London]].  The cities' major tourist attractions include [[Edinburgh Castle]], [[Edinburgh Zoo]], the [[Palace of Holyroodhouse]], [[Our Dynamic Earth]] and the [[Royal Mile]]. It has four universities including the [[University of Edinburgh]] founded in 1583.
* [[Glasgow]] is the largest city in the country, and the second largest tourist destination after [[Edinburgh]]. Its attractions include the [[Burrell Collection]], [[Glasgow Cathedral]], the [[Glasgow Science Centre]] and the [[Kelvingrove Museum]]. In addition tourists come to Glasgow for its renowned [[Victorian architecture]] and [[Gothic architecture]] as well as its shopping. The city has three universities, including the University of Glasgow founded in 1451, and is a UNESCO City of Music which hosts the world renowned Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
* [[Stirling]] is a historic city in central Scotland, 30 miles to the north-west of Edinburgh, and is generally known as the "Gateway to the Highlands", due to its geographical position between [[Scottish Highlands|highland]] and [[Scottish Lowlands|lowland]] Scotland. Amongst its attractions are [[Stirling Castle]], the [[Wallace Monument|Wallace National Monument]] and the [[Thistles Centre|Thieves Pot/Thistles Centre]].
* [[Aberdeen]] is known as the "[[Granite]] City" and is renowned for its gothic architecture. It is a city of approximately 210,000 people and serves as the main administrative centre for the north-east of Scotland. With its large port and harbour, Aberdeen serves as the departure point for the ferries that connect the Scottish mainland with the Northern Isles of [[Orkney]] and [[Shetland]]. Aberdeen has two universities, and a large student population.
* [[St Andrews]] is a small, but busy town in north-east [[Fife]]. The [[royal burgh]]'s economy is centred on the [[golf]] industry, with [[St Andrews]] being regarded as the home of the modern game. The [[University of St Andrews]] (the oldest in Scotland) has colleges located throughout the town and a small [[Museum of the University of St Andrews|museum]] on the history of the University which is open to the public free of charge.
* [[Dundee]] is known as the "City of Discovery" and is the home of [[V&A Dundee]], Scotland's first and only design museum. Dundee is home to Scott of the [[Antarctic]]'s ship the [[RRS Discovery|RRS ''Discovery'']]. Dundee has two universities. It has a Jute museum called [[Verdant Works]], an Anchor Point of ERIH – The [[European Route of Industrial Heritage]].
* [[Perth, Scotland|Perth]] is a small but historic city on the east coast, which stands on the [[River Tay]]. Perth is known for its abundant parkland. Close by is the village of [[Scone, Perth and Kinross|Scone]], ancient capital of Scotland and former home to [[Scottish kings]].
* [[Inverness]] is the administrative centre for the [[Scottish Highlands|Highlands]], close to [[Loch Ness]] and serves as a transport hub for much of the Highlands, with rail and bus services departing here to much of the northern and west Highlands. It is a popular destination for tourists wishing to explore the north of Scotland.
* [[Ayrshire]] offers wonderful scenery, outdoor activities, enthralling history with links to William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and Scotland's best known poet, Robert Burns. Ayrshire offers some of the finest golf courses in the world (32 in total). North Ayrshire hosts [http://www.kelburnestate.com Kelburn Castle] which is famous for its Graffiti Project.

Other areas which are popular for tourists include the [[Scottish Highlands|Highlands]] and the [[Hebrides]], such as the [[Isle of Skye]]. [[Perthshire]], the [[Scottish Borders]] and [[Orkney]] and [[Shetland]] are popular tourism destinations.

[[Ben Nevis]] is the highest mountain in the United Kingdom, but there are many other significant mountains in Scotland, albeit relatively small by international standards. The [[Cuillin Hills|Cuillin]] on the Isle of Skye offer challenging climbs such as the [[Inaccessible Pinnacle]].

Scotland has amusement parks such as [[M&D's]] in the town of [[Motherwell]], [[North Lanarkshire]].

Scotland has many [[loch]]s, including [[Loch Lomond]], and [[Loch Ness]], home of the mythical [[Loch Ness monster]]. Rivers such as the [[River Spey|Spey]], [[River Tay|Tay]], [[River Tweed|Tweed]], and [[River Dee, Aberdeenshire|Aberdeenshire Dee]] are famous for [[salmon]] and [[fly fishing]]. Scotland is a popular destination for [[hunting]], especially [[deer]] and [[grouse]].

Scotland's best known export is [[Scotch Whisky]] and numerous visitors a year enjoy a tour around its Whisky distilleries. The Highlands is by far the largest region in Scotland both in area and in whisky production. This massive area has over 30 distilleries on the mainland. When the Islands sub-region is included, the total number of distilleries is 47. 
<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/food-drink/whisky/distilleries/highland/ |title=TWHISKY DISTILLERIES IN THE HIGHLANDS |date=11 July 2017 |publisher=Visit Scotland |access-date=12 January 2020 }}</ref> The nearby Speyside area has the largest number of distilleries including [[Aberlour distillery|Aberlour]], [[Balvenie]], [[Cardhu]], [[Cragganmore]], [[Dalwhinnie distillery|Dalwhinnie]],{{sfn|Scotch Whisky Association|2009}} [[Glenfarclas]], [[Glenglassaugh distillery|Glenglassaugh]], [[Glenfiddich]], [[Speyburn]], [[The Macallan]], [[The Glenlivet]], and [[The Glenrothes]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/food-drink/whisky/distilleries/speyside/|title=Speyside Distilleries – Whisky Tours, Tastings & Map|website=VisitScotland}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://visitcairngorms.com/brewery-distillery |title=Breweries/Distilleries |date=11 July 2017 |publisher=Visit Cairngorns |access-date=8 December 2019 }}</ref> Distilleries are the third most visited attractions in Scotland; roughly 2 million visits were recorded in 2018. 68 distilleries operate visitors' centres in Scotland and another eight accept visits by appointment. The tourism has had an especially visible impact on the economy in some remote rural areas.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://insidethecask.com/2019/06/21/9348/|title=Record numbers of visitors for Scotch Whisky Distilleries|date=21 June 2019}}</ref><ref>[https://scotchwhisky.com/magazine/latest-news/26192/scotch-whisky-tourism-at-all-time-high/ Scotch Whisky Tourism at All-Time High]</ref>

Scotland is the [[home of golf]], with historic and famous courses including [[St Andrews]], [[Gleneagles, Scotland|Gleneagles]], [[Royal Troon]], [[Carnoustie]], and [[Muirfield (Scotland)|Muirfield]]. There are hundreds of other courses in the country.

==Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic==
Like all of the UK, Scotland was negatively impacted by the restrictions and lockdowns necessitated by the worldwide [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. Tourism has particularly suffered. In October 2020, the Scottish Tourism Alliance made this comment: "The devastating impact of this pandemic will make recovery incredibly challenging, if not questionable, without the assurance of continued targeted support from both the Scottish and UK Governments".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://scottishtourismalliance.co.uk/tourism-recovery/ |title=Tourism Recovery Recommendations|date=23 October 2020|access-date=8 April 2021|quote=discussions led by Malcolm Roughead, CEO, VisitScotland, Marc Crothall, CEO, Scottish Tourism Alliance and Malcolm Buchanan, Chair of Scotland Board, RBS}}</ref> The First Minister acknowledged the setbacks that the hospitality/tourism sector had already experienced in a March 2021 speech when she announced financial support for the industry. "It's been an incredibly difficult year for all businesses" and added that she did not "underestimate the acute challenges our tourism and hospitality sectors have faced".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.scot/news/gbp-25-million-for-tourism-recovery/ |title=£25 million for tourism recovery|access-date=8 April 2021|quote=We’ve provided an unprecedented amount of funding for the sector, including over £129 million in business suppor}}</ref>

Most reports that provide statistics on the impact of the pandemic on tourism cover the entire UK as an entity rather than specifically for Scotland. [[VisitBritain]] in April 2021, stated that the travel restrictions and lockdowns in the UK led to a 76% reduction in "inbound tourism" to the UK in 2020 and forecast for 2021 indicated an estimated that visits would be up "21% on 2020 but only 29% of the 2019 level". An increase in visits was expected but slowly at first and the report concluded that tourism was not expected to come "even close to normal levels".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.visitbritain.org/2021-tourism-forecast|title=2021 tourism forecast |date=20 April 2015 |access-date=8 April 2021|quote=From mid-March to mid-July, COVID-19 triggered a near-total shutdown in international tourism ... there was an increase in visitor numbers from this low point, although they remained very low, and dipped again towards the end of the year.}}</ref>

The VisitBritain report in April 2021 discussed the effects of the pandemic on domestic within the UK in 2020, citing a significant reduction in spending, for an estimated  decline of 62% over the previous year. As of January 2021, the forecast for 2021 suggested that spending would increase by 79% over the previous year and that "the value of spending will be back to 84% of 2019 levels" by the end of 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.visitbritain.org/2021-tourism-forecast|title=2021 tourism forecast |date=20 April 2015 |access-date=8 April 2021|quote=forecast assumes a slow recovery in early 2021 before a step change in the spring ... followed by a gradual recovery throughout the rest of the year and beyond.}}</ref>

A report published in March 2021 by the [[Fraser of Allander Institute]] at the [[University of Strathclyde]] indicated that in the UK, "tourism and hospitality suffered notable losses from the pandemic" and provided detailed specifics for both domestic and international visits. This report reviewed the Scottish hospitality industry in great detail; the situation was not yet optimistic at that time, with "no sign of a trend reversal with more than 70% of businesses in the sector reporting lower turnover than usual".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fraserofallander.org/covid-19-impact-on-the-tourism-and-hospitality-sector-an-insight-from-the-latest-economic-commentary/|title=Covid-19 impact on the Tourism and Hospitality Sector, an insight from the latest Economic Commentary |date=18 March 2021 |access-date=8 April 2021|quote= ... health and economic crisis ... In particular, tourism and hospitality suffered notable losses from the pandemic.}}</ref>

The Scottish Tourism Alliance Task Force published its recommendations in October 2020, with "Immediate Actions" for both the Scottish government and the UK government. The group particularly requested support for the tourism/hospitality industry, including financial grants, the funding of marketing for the sector, and a "temporary removal of Air Passenger Duty to boost route competitiveness".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://scottishtourismalliance.co.uk/tourism-recovery/ |title=Tourism Recovery Recommendations|date=23 October 2020|access-date=8 April 2021|quote=It is imperative they work together with the industry to take action now in supporting and implementing the recommendations ... to rebuild our diverse businesses, to restore our thriving places and reimagine our memorable experiences.}}</ref> On 24 March 2021, First Minister [[Nicola Sturgeon]] announced a £25 million tourism recovery programme "to support the industry for the next 6 months to two years".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://scottishtourismalliance.co.uk/first-minister-announced-25-million-for-tourism-recovery-at-sta-conference/ |title=First Minister announces £25 million for tourism recovery at STA conference|date=24 March 2021|access-date=8 April 2021|quote=The programme, which has been developed by the Scottish Tourism Emergency Response Group (STERG) in partnership with businesses, will support the Scottish Tourism Recovery Taskforce objectives.}}</ref> Sturgeon reminded the hospitality/tourism industry that the government had provided "over £129 million" in support "for this sector".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.scot/news/gbp-25-million-for-tourism-recovery/ |title=£25 million for tourism recovery|access-date=8 April 2021|quote=}}</ref>

On 5 April 2021, the BBC published specifics about domestic tourism in the UK indicating that the restrictions were to be loosened during that month, at least for domestic travel within Scotland, Wales and England.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/explainers-52646738 |title=Covid: When can I go on holiday abroad or in the UK?|date=14 May 2020 |access-date=8 April 2021|quote= }}</ref> Travel within mainland Scotland was expected to be permitted again starting on 26 April. A survey in March 2021 indicated that roughly 70% of the 500 Scots surveyed were hoping to "have a holiday at home this year". The BBC recommended such "staycationing" but reminded readers that travel to "Scotland's islands or across the border at Gretna and Berwick" might not be possible for some time.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-56638408 |title=Covid in Scotland: Carry on staycationing|work=BBC News|date=5 April 2021|access-date=8 April 2021|quote=If the data look ripe, mainland travel within Scotland will be allowed from 26 April. Expect a rush from the cities to the hills and the coast.}}</ref>

The VisitBritain website discussed the UK's "COVID-19 restrictions" that were expected to be loosened in April but indicated that there was no confirmation as to whether the rules on international travel, either inbound or outbound, would actually be loosened in mid-May.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.visitbritain.org/covid-19-new-coronavirus-latest-information-and-advice-businesses-1 |title=COVID-19 (new coronavirus) - latest information and advice for businesses |date=4 November 2020 |access-date=8 April 2021|quote=whether non-essential international travel can resume on 17 May, or whether we will need to wait longer before lifting the outbound travel restriction.}}</ref>

It was possible that the UK's plan to loosen restrictions on inbound tourists would not commence as early as planned. On 8 April 2021 sources in the European Union stated that a "third wave of the pandemic [was sweeping] the continent". (Two days earlier, PM [[Boris Johnson]] had made it clear that "We don't want to see the virus being reimported into this country from abroad".)<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-04-06/boris-johnson-uk-travel-reopening-coronavirus-covid-19/100050006 |title=Boris Johnson refuses to set hard date for Britain to reopen for international travel |newspaper=ABC News |date=5 April 2021 |access-date=8 April 2021|quote=Amid the coronavirus pandemic, many countries worldwide continue to restrict entry and most travel remains discouraged.}}</ref> Of particular concern was the [[Lineage B.1.1.7|B117 variant]], a mutation of the virus, "which [was] spreading rapidly in at least 27 European countries".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/en/european-travel-restrictions-nonessential-travel-curbed/a-56350272 |title=European travel restrictions: Nonessential travel curbed |website=[[Deutsche Welle]] |access-date=8 April 2021|quote=Amid the coronavirus pandemic, many countries worldwide continue to restrict entry and most travel remains discouraged.}}</ref>

Travel restrictions were loosened in England on 12 April 2021, but not in Scotland. Some lockdown measures were expected to be relaxed on 26 April.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-news/coronavirus-scotland-live-rules-update-20362395 |title=Nicola Sturgeon update LIVE: Scotland lockdown Covid changes set to be announced |access-date=13 April 2021|quote=}}</ref> It was hoped that domestic travel would again be allowed and that cafes and restaurants would be permitted to re-open at least their outdoor facilities, as in England.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-56710858 |title=Covid lockdown eases: Celebrations as pub gardens and shops reopen |work=BBC News |date=12 April 2021 |access-date=13 April 2021|quote=}}</ref> 

== See also ==
{{Portal|Scotland}}
* [[Golf in Scotland]]
* [[VisitScotland]]
* [[Museums in Scotland]]
* [[Scotch whisky]]
* [[Scottish topics]]
* [[Common Travel Area]]
* [[Tourism in England]]
* [[Tourism in Wales]]
* [[Wild Scotland]]
* [[Most visited museums in the United Kingdom]]

== References ==
<references />

==Sources==
* {{Cite web |date=2 December 2009 |title=The Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009: Guidance for Producers and Bottlers |url=http://www.scotch-whisky.org.uk/media/12744/scotchwhiskyregguidance2009.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170623041606/http://www.scotch-whisky.org.uk/media/12744/scotchwhiskyregguidance2009.pdf |archive-date=23 June 2017 |access-date=24 September 2012 |publisher=Scotch Whisky Association |ref={{sfnRef|Scotch Whisky Association|2009}}}}

== External links ==
{{Wikivoyage|Scotland}}
* [https://www.visitscotland.com/ VisitScotland- The official booking and information site of Scotland's National Tourist Board]
* [https://www.scottish-tourist.com/ Scottish Tourist - Discover the real Scotland]
{{Tourism in Scotland}}{{Tourism in Europe}}
{{Economy of Scotland}}

{{Scotland topics}}
[[Category:Tourism in Scotland| ]]