Capital enjoys tourism boom as number of visitors grows

Tourism activity was independently assessed for Edinburgh City Council using the Scottish Tourism Economic Activity Monitor (STEAM).

It found that between January 1 and March 31, the amount of money spent by visitors to the city was up nine per cent on the same time last year, at £375.1 million, while visitor numbers were also up by 8.6 per cent at 3.47m.

People visiting for a day accounted for 22 per cent of the overall amount of money spent.

The success is reflected in reports by some of Edinburgh’s biggest tourist attractions.

The National Museum of Scotland announced 300,000 people have passed through its doors just three weeks after it reopened following a multi-million pound refurbishment.

Edinburgh Castle had a record-breaking July, attracting 203,940 visitors – the most since records began.

Executive manager Nick Finnigan said: “We have seen growth in Lothian Bus Ticket visitors, Royal Edinburgh Ticket Holders and Scottish Heritage Pass users.

“Our summer programme which started in July with daily costumed performances has proved very popular.”

The Camera Obscura reported a 50 per cent increase in visitor spend, while the number of tickets sold has gone up by 31 per cent.

Manager Andrew Johnson said: “It’s been a huge jump for us. We have benefited from the whole city being a bit busier and we’ve got two extra floors of exhibits to choose from.

“We really want people to go away from this attraction smiling and laughing and if they don’t, we are offering to make it up to them by offering a money back guarantee. I believe we might be the only attraction that does this.”

Figures collated by the market research agency LJ Forecaster showed the hotel market has remained buoyant and enjoyed an increase in revenue per room last month.

Greg Ward, head of economic development at the city council, said: “One of the most interesting indicators is international numbers. Since 2004, there has been incredible increases due to route development.

“That is important because international tourists are the biggest spenders.”

Lucy Bird, chief executive of Marketing Edinburgh, said the figures demonstrated that the hotel and conferencing industry in the city continues to grow.

A VisitScotland spokesman said: “Edinburgh is a world class destination with its history and heritage, culture and fantastic events, such as the Edinburgh Festivals, attracting millions of visitors from all over the world.

“VisitScotland markets where to stay and what to do in the Lothians throughout the year and works in partnership with local bodies to maximise on all opportunities to inspire both UK and international visitors to this wonderful destination.”

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