TORONTO — Scotland’s international tourism continues to bounce back, according to the latest statistics.

Data from the International Passenger Survey (July – September 2023) show there were 1,438,000 visits to Scotland from international visitors, a year-over-year increase of 6% and more than 14% more than in Q3 2019.

International tourism in Scotland is recovering at a stronger rate than other UK nations and regions, notes Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive at VisitScotland.

“These figures are further evidence of the indisputable allure of Scotland for international visitors Our overseas visitors stay longer and spend more, which in turn supports the visitor economy. They are a crucial market for our industry, particularly while domestic visitors adjust to cost-of-living challenges. We must continue building that demand, especially across key markets, such as the U.S., Europe and the UK; inspiring visitors at those all-important planning stages and reaching them through the channels we know they use. While we all continue to navigate the challenging economic landscape, our priority is to use our marketing, partnership work, and business support activities to grow appetite for Scotland from all visitors – near and far – and make Scotland a year-round, must-visit destination,” said Roughead.

Visitors have plenty of choice when travelling to Scotland and this year can look forward to a range of new routes, route extensions and returning flights.

For Canadian travellers, WestJet is making Edinburgh Airport its home in Scotland as it introduces another two routes to its operations to the Scottish capital, adding Toronto and Halifax to its existing Calgary route. It’s the first time Edinburgh has had a direct flight from Halifax.

For a full list of connections to Scotland visit: Overseas Travel & Flights to Scotland | VisitScotland | VisitScotland.

In other news, Tourism Cares is growing its Meaningful Travel Program in 2024 by expanding its destination member community with a focus on local, community-centric initiatives that ensure all regions affected by tourism have the opportunity to thrive. As part of its destination expansion, VisitScotland will be the first European destination to launch its Meaningful Travel Map, marking a significant milestone in the organisation’s global impact strategy. Scotland is among 15 other destinations that have committed to the program.

Meanwhile Scotland’s leading travel trade event, VisitScotland Connect, makes a welcome return to the P&J Live Aberdeen on April 17-18 after a hugely successful appearance in The Granite City in 2023. More than 200 Scottish businesses will be sharing their reduced carbon offerings, local food and drink highlights and off the beaten track experiences with tour operators from around the world during the two-day event.

To discover more trade ready product, visit the VisitScotland Travel Trade website.