Tourism
We make investing, setting up and succeeding in Scotland as easy as possible with our support for business and leisure tourism development.
218,000 jobs
The tourism sector in Scotland supports the jobs of 218,000 people across over 14,900 diverse businesses
Worth £4.1 billion
Our tourism industry contributes £4.1 billion to the economy every year
8.3% work in tourism
8.3% of employment in Scotland is in tourism-related industries
Source: Scottish Economic Statistics, Scottish Enterprise February 2020
High quality tourism investment
We've supported companies to invest over £330 million in capital expenditure to build new hotels and refurbish existing buildings in the last four years alone.
Based in Glasgow, we have offices around the world, including Japan, Russia, China, Brazil, UAE and the USA.
Looking to invest in Scottish tourism?
We can help you with:
- Finding the right location including access to sites and deals not available on the open market
- Identifying partners, investors, developers and operators
- Market intelligence and key performance statistics
- Liaising with local authorities and Scotland’s government bodies to help project completion
- An after-care package for inward investments to help business development, such as marketing support, market research, PR services, investment advice and specialised training
Why are tourists flocking to Scotland?
Could it be our generosity of spirit and warmest of welcomes, our rich cultural heritage, proud history and breathtaking landscapes? Our reputation for hosting global events or simply the 'Outlander effect'? In fact, it's all of these.
Our strong year-round tourism economy means there’s demand for accommodation in top locations.
Scotland continues to outperform the rest of the UK in attracting visitors to its tourist attractions. Edinburgh is the top UK destination outside London - but the whole country is benefiting from a tourism renaissance.
This creates significant opportunities for developers and investors.
Talented and abundant workforce
With five universities in the world’s top 200, Scotland has more world-class universities per head of population than any other country across the globe.
The tourism sector in Scotland supports the jobs of 218,000 people across over 14,900 diverse businesses.
With excellent opportunities for training, leadership and funding support, that number is growing quickly. Scotland is, of course, famous for the friendliness of its people, so you can be sure that your workforce always offers the warmest of welcomes.
Scotland is now
Once visitors experience Scotland, they can't wait to come back.
We're one of the world’s most inviting and hospitable countries. Millions of visitors come to Scotland to experience our breathtaking countryside and our thriving, vibrant cities every year. Captured by its rich culture, generosity and spirit, they return to live, work and study here.
Scotland is the home of golf and gifted the game to the world. Iconic locations such as St Andrews and Turnberry, Carnoustie and Muirfield have inspired golfers around the world and bring tourists back time and time again.
Tourism opportunities in Scotland
Scottish cities are building on the success of world-class events and major infrastructure projects.
The strength of the business and leisure tourism markets in Scotland’s cities drive year-round occupancy and high room rates. The demand for additional accommodation presents significant opportunities for providers, developers and investors.
From Edinburgh’s year-round tourism economy, to Glasgow’s UK-leading MICE market (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) and Dundee's £1 billion investment in the waterfront area, Scotland’s cities offer a diverse range of options for development.
Scotland's natural beauty has strong appeal to guests who come back time and time again, making it an ideal place for resort development.
Our easy access to Europe, North America and the rest of the UK means that it's possible to target a wide range of corporate and leisure markets.
Scotland has also been at the forefront of vacation ownership with resorts that include the world famous Old Course Hotel, Gleneagles Hotel, Trump Turnberry and Cameron House at Loch Lomond.
Scotland’s retail landscape is as diverse as it is dynamic.
The retail industry is the largest private employer in Scotland. There are over 23,000 outlets, which provide over a quarter of a million retail jobs. The industry generated £26.9 billion generated in 2014 - 20% of the country’s total GDP.
Scotland is a well-connected country, with easy access to Europe and beyond. As a result, Scotland's tourism industry is booming, leading to an ever-increasing number of international consumers in major cities.
UK's top city for hotel development
Edinburgh is leading the way in hotel room revenue, with global real estate adviser Colliers International naming it the UK’s top city for hotel development.
Our success in attracting prestigious brands, global companies, major events and leading conferences makes Scotland an excellent investment choice for high-quality tourism developments.
Scottish cities need to host visitors all year round and there is high demand for accommodation that is 4-star and above. This means high room rates in key locations, such as Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen, presenting significant opportunities for developers and investors.
“Scotland is a world-class destination, and outside of London, it’s arguably the most attractive from a tourism and business perspective. It’s very cost-effective and easy to do business in Scotland. Hilton is incredibly proud of the long-standing relationship we’ve had with Scotland, and we’re only seeking to grow that.”
Steve Cassidy, Senior Vice President, Hilton UK & Ireland
Sustained industry growth
Global brands like Hilton, Fairmont, De Vere, Malmaison, Marriott and Radisson have seen sustained success in Scotland.
Our support has helped them in their journey. As shown by the number of leading brands, the tourism industry in Scotland has experienced consistent growth, currently contributing £4.1 billion to the economy every year.
While many new tourism projects are planned and in progress, demand currently outstrips supply. It means there are more development opportunities available in Scotland.
A prime example of this type of project is the £1 billion investment into the V&A Dundee, which opened in 2018.
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5 reasons why Scotland is now
Scotland has access to the best talent, investment opportunities, and work life balance.
Financial and tax incentives
We help companies attract investment, research, development funding and tax incentive schemes.
Our people and skills
Access an exceptionally well educated, skilled and talented workforce.
If you have any questions or want to talk with one of our advisers, we're always ready to help.