Scotch Whisky distilleries attract more than 2 million visitors

Scotch Whisky distilleries attracted more than 2 million visitors in 2022, it has been revealed. A Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) survey found footfall more than doubled (114%) compared to 2021.  Total spend by tourists last year was up by 8.65%, with more than £85m spent in total at sites across Scotland’s five whisky regions, up…

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Tourism bookings hit by cost-of-living crisis

HALF of Scottish tourism businesses are reporting fewer bookings and lower spending by customers, according to a new surey. The Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) found 50% of members have fewer bookings between June and August this year than during the same period in 2019. The same proportion reported a fall in consumer spending this year…

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New tourism body wants visitors to back Scots communities

A new national tourism body is urging visitors to support community owned tourism enterprises across Scotland and deliver a boost for local jobs and services as the sector rebuilds after Covid-19. Scottish Community Tourism (SCOTO) is a new network of around 100 community owned tourism organisations and enterprises. Its aim is to promote and represent…

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Fife tourism bids to turn challenge into opportunity

A conference to boost tourism in Fife is set to take place in the area next month. The spotlight will be on the visitor economy in Fife this March, with the return of the Fife Tourism Conference. With the theme Turning Challenge Into Opportunity, the conference is being held on Thursday, March 10, at the…

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Families tune in for online farm tours

MORE than 10,000 families have tuned in to watch live online tours of Scotland’s farms during lockdown. Almost 100 farmers have guided virtual visitors around their sites via the Go Rural Facebook page. Their “Welcome to my Farm” videos followed on from 14 farmers streaming two weeks of “lambathon” during the spring from their lambing…

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Tourism firms cry out for help from ministers

Pressure is growing on the Scottish Government to provide further help for tourism businesses – especially in the Highlands – so they can get ready to welcome back visitors. Marc Crothall, chief executive at the Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA), which represents more than 250 members, has warned that the industry is “on the brink of…

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Finalists for three tourism awards are revealed

The shortlist for three national awards at the Scottish Thistle Awards has been unveiled. Tourism businesses and events shortlisted for the Best Business Event, Best Sporting Event and Inclusive Tourism category will battle it out to be crowned the national winner at this year’s Scottish Thistle Awards National Final to be held on 5 March…

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TV presenter returns home to launch The Coig routes

Formula One presenter Lee McKenzie has taken pole position as the official ambassador for new tourism campaign for Ayrshire, Firth of Clyde and Clyde Islands. Gaelic for five, The Coig is a series of five tourist routes covering Ayrshire, Arran, Bute and Cumbrae, offering people an exciting new way to explore the unique coast and…

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ScotHot 2019 served up a culinary treat for all

ScotHot, Scotland’s leading hospitality trade event, welcomed thousands of visitors this year – making the 2019 show the biggest and best yet. The event, which was held on the 13 and 14 March, welcomed delegates to the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in Glasgow. ScotHot is the Scottish hospitality sector’s largest and most comprehensive trade event.…

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Time’s running out to register for this year’s ScotHot

The organisers of ScotHot, Scotland’s leading hospitality trade event, have announced a countdown until the show opens. With just under a week to go until the hospitality and food service trade show opens its doors to over 7,000 key industry figures, now is the time for food, drink, hospitality and tourism employees and business owners…

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