The role of tourism in the economy of Scotland

This paper examines the economic impacts of tourism on the Scottish economy. Three study areas were defined on the basis of economic characteristics: the north of Scotland; the central lowlands (which generate more than half the total economic benefits attributable to tourist spending); and the south of Scotland. Financial information was obtained from businessmen involved in tourist-related industry. In 1980 about £231 million (35% of tourist spending) was retained as income to Scottish residents, and tourism was responsible for, directly and indirectly, over 100000 jobs. The ‘multiplier’ effect generates income, employment and tax revenues beyond the immediate tourist system. This summary of economic estimates should be of value to tourism planners.