TOURISM BOOM FOR THE LOTHIANS AS ATTRACTIONS RECORD OVER 30 MILLION VISITS

Scottish tourist attractions had more visitors than ever before in 2017 – with over 30 million visitors passing through their doors throughout the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.
 
The latest figures from the Association of Scottish Visitors Attractions show 77% of visitor sites reporting an increase in the number of visits – helping support the local tourist economy across Midlothian and East Lothian
 
An increase in tourism has also helped create a booming accommodation market with a 17 per cent increase of visitors staying in self-catering accommodation, and a 13 per cent rise in serviced accommodation, in Edinburgh and the Lothians since last year.
 
Commenting, SNP MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh Colin Beattie said:
 
“These latest figures are great to see – and show that Midlothian and Scotland remain favourite destinations for tourists, with our world leading attractions seeing over 30 million visitors during the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.
 
“The £4.6bn being spent on tourist day trips annually is a brilliant contribution to the Scottish economy that we should continue to encourage – while the increase in people staying overnight in our local hotels and guest houses boosts our local economy in Midlothian and East Lothian
 
“Tourists boost our restaurants, pubs and cafes by spending around £995 million on food and drink annually while visiting Scotland – and the whole tourist industry is worth over £6 billion to Scotland, supporting jobs and livelihoods across the Lothians.
 
“It’s no surprise that visitor numbers continue to rise across Scotland – attractions such as Newhailes House and Dalkeith Country Park will always bring people from far and wide to this corner of the country, and these figures are something for all of us to celebrate.”