Festival makes Edinburgh a tourism crown jewel
The August crowds bring a multi-million pound boost to the capital, argues Manuela Calchini
ith an amazing array of actors, comedians, authors, singers, dancers, street performers, and musicians descending on its cobbled streets and more than a million people set to take in a show over the summer, Edinburgh is once again buzzing with an atmosphere which cannot be matched anywhere in the world.
From the comedy gold of the Fringe to the literary delights of the International Book Festival, there’s no escaping the vibrant energy in Scotland’s capital
The memories made at these illustrious festivals can last a lifetime. I still remember my spine tingling while listening to Bryn Terfel and Willard White sing at the International Festival. I also recount the sheer joy of experiencing Franz Ferdinand’s collaboration with Sparks in 2015. This year I’m looking forward to some belly laughs at the Fringe, with comedians such as Henning Wehn and Frankie Boyle participating in the world’s largest arts festival.
Major events such as the Edinburgh festivals don’t just provide some of the best entertainment anywhere in the world either – they also represent a multi-million pound benefit, creating jobs and enhancing the economy. Don’t believe me? The numbers speakforthemselves. International visitors make an average of 174,000 holiday trips to Edinburgh and the Lothians during August, contributing a breathtaking £63 million in expenditure. Domestically, 290,000 trips are made to Edinburgh with spending in the region of £73m. This expenditure is vital and shows in real terms the importance of tourism – generating income, creating jobs and stimulating social change.
With nearly 35,000 people working in the sector in Edinburgh, the Capital accounts for nearly 16 per cent of Scottish tourism employment.
Of course, this time of year is the busiest for those who work in the tourism and hospitality sectors, with many going above and beyond to welcome visitors from near and far with that remarkable Scottish spirit. My inbox is often brimming at this time of year with stories about the outstanding welcome our visitors have received, whether it’s opening a bar later for that wee extra dram, or taking people personally to their final destination if lost. This is what it is all about.
And although we locals might take a little longer to walk up the Royal Mile or queue a tiny bit longer to get our morning lattes, it is forgotten instantly as we see people’s faces light up with the wonder of our fine city both culturally and historically.
My best advice to any visitoratthisbusytimeofyearis that old Scout motto – be prepared. Our Edinburgh Festival Guide on visitscotland. com can help with that. From pronouncing tongue-tying street names to finding the city’s hidden gems, visitors to Edinburgh can learn how to make the most out of their festival experience.
The summer festivals in Edinburgh offer huge variety, an incredible atmosphere and give visitors and locals an unforgettable experience. They also play a vital role in maintaining Edinburgh’s status as one of the brightest jewels in the Scottish tourism crown. ● Manuela Calchini is Visitscotland’s Regional Director for Edinburgh