Wildlife tourism spend is £276 million

According to a Scottish Government report, ‘The Economic Impact of Wildlife Tourism in Scotland’, published yesterday, the annual spend on wildlife tourism in Scotland is £276 million delivering a net economic impact of £65 million to Scotland’s economy and creating 2,760 FTE jobs.

The report also found that 1.12 million trips were made every year to or within Scotland with the main aim of viewing wildlife. This form of tourism appealed greatly to UK-based visitors and Scots themselves, accounting for 56% of trips and 75% of income.

Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: “Tourism is vital to Scotland’s economic recovery. As one of Europe’s leading year-round wildlife destinations with a world-famous reputation for natural heritage, Scotland has a great deal to offer.

“Wildlife tourism is becoming increasingly popular, generating significant benefits for the economy and coastal communities. With this in mind, we need to ensure that we safeguard our marine environment for the future. Scotland’s Marine Act offers enhanced protection for wildlife and will help deliver economic growth for key business sectors.

“Marine planning will ensure an appropriate balance between development, protection and recreation. Marine Protected Areas will help us safeguard the marine environment, including iconic species and habitats that tourists come to see.”

Tourism Minister Jim Mather said: “This research confirms that wildlife tourism, in particular, is a growing sector – generating a net economic impact of around £65 million for our economy. Viewing wildlife is the main driver behind over one million trips to Scotland every year – and over half of those are made by UK tourists. This helps to support over 2,700 full-time jobs.

“Our stunning seas and coasts support a wealth of wildlife and play a key role in attracting visitors at home and abroad. The public’s increasing awareness and interest in our marine environment is being translated into tangible economic benefits – and we will ensure that this isn’t at a cost to our natural environment.

Susan Davies, director policy and advice at SNH, said: “It’s very heartening, particularly in the International Year of Biodiversity, that the economic benefits of wildlife and scenery are being more widely recognised. It is equally important to ensure that people have ample opportunity and accessible information to help them enjoy Scotland’s nature.”

SSACN – Indeed it is, but the longer the interests of those who commercially exploit nature by actually reducing biodiversity are given preference, the less likely wildlife tourism in all its forms is to have a future.

Category: Scottish Government News