SNP set to miss tourism target

AN SNP pledge to boost tourism spending is set to fail – due to a slump in UK visitors.

In 2012, the Scottish Government set a target of increasing overnight visitor spending to between £5.5billion and £6.5billion, at 2011 prices, by 2020.

However, a report by the Scottish parliament’s Information Centre (SPICe), shows that spending last year was £4.97billion – equivalent to under £4.5billion at 2011 prices.

The number of overnight visits by overseas tourists increased from 2.35million in 2011 to 3.54million last year, while their value rose from £1.49billion to £2.21billion.

However, the number of UK visitors slumped from 13.36million in 2011 to 11.8million last year, while their expenditure fell from £3.02billion to £2.76billion.

The study said this suggested that the Government’s target ‘won’t be met’, adding: ‘Indeed, in real terms, there’s been little growth in overnight visitor spend. From 2011 to 2018, overnight tourism spend has averaged £4.5billion.’

The report also raised concerns about the failure to invest in infrastructure in areas which have suffered from ‘over-tourism’, including Edinburgh and Skye.

And it said that, in real terms, spending on tourism by the Scottish Government had fallen by 12 per cent since 2010/11.

Scottish Tory tourism spokesman Rachael Hamilton said: ‘The SNP takes tourism for granted, and that attitude has led to a slump in money coming into Scotland.’

A Scottish Government spokesman said last night: ‘Our tourism industry is of vital importance to the Scottish economy, and our new tourism strategy will ensure that we maintain and enhance its status into the future.’