South of Scotland economy boosted by more than 5 million extra tourists
The tourism economy has grown by 20% in a year.
It's claimed new data show the South of Scotland is “well on course” to generate an annual £1 billion of economic growth by 2034.
Last year, the visitor economy spiked up by 20%, seeing an extra £150 million go to local areas across the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway.
The latest STEAM data – which monitors tourism activity - also shows that there has been a 14% increase in jobs created, employing over 15,000 people in tourism-related careers.
The South of Scotland Destination Alliance says that all those figures have helped them achieve their 2025 Covid recovery target 2 and a half years early.
Their goal was to have a £750 million visitor economy supporting 14,00 jobs.
David Hope-Jones OBE, South of Scotland Destination Alliance CEO, says: “It’s fantastic to see what, together, the South of Scotland can achieve when we all push in the same direction.
“We have one, clear plan as to how we will support responsible tourism to drive local community and economic benefit.
“We are investing in that plan, and we are now seeing the demonstrable results of this.
“Each £1 that has gone into the SSDA in the last year has resulted in £275 of increased local economic benefit”
Earlier this year, a South of Scotland Responsible Tourism Strategy was launched with an ambition to increase the yearly economic benefit by £1 billion and support another 6,000 jobs by 2034.
READ MORE: Health bosses accused of misleading public
Hope-Jones says the most recent Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor (STEAM) figures reveal that in year one of this new strategy, “the south of Scotland is already 50% ahead of target” and is on track to hit economic growth.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes says: “Tourism is vitally important to the South of Scotland economy, supporting hundreds of businesses and thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
“With so many attractions, beauty spots, and wonderful landscapes attracting both day trippers and overnight to the region, the South of Scotland Responsible Tourism Strategy is rightfully ambitious.
“This data is an encouraging indication that this ambition can be realised, and we will continue to work with the SSDA, SOSE, and partners and businesses across the region to continue showcasing the region as a destination and driving economic and social benefits that come from a thriving tourism sector.”