New figures have revealed that Scotland welcomed its highest number of international visitors ever last year.
The 2023 International Passenger Survey by the Office of National Statistics showed almost four million overseas tourists came to Scotland last year – an increase of 15% on 2019 levels – with spend also up 41%.
The previous record for international visits was in 2018, when Scotland welcomed 3.7 million overseas tourists.
VisitScotland chief executive Malcolm Roughead said: “These figures mark a turning point for tourism in Scotland, showing not only recovery, but crucially growth in international visitors, with number of visits and spend now above 2019 levels.
“Scotland is the only UK region to have reached this milestone.
“They are further evidence of the strength of Scotland’s offering and the clear desire for people across the world to experience this, with record demand from North America.
“Our international visitors are hugely important to…
