The number of people working in tourism in Edinburgh has increased by 12% in one year, new figures show – with Scotland as a whole seeing an increase of 11%. The statistics produced by Visit Scotland show that tourism supports 34,600 jobs in Edinburgh, 11% of total jobs in the area.
Between 2014 and 2015, the number of people employed in the sector across Scotland grew to 217,000 – with the 11% increase in Scotland above the 4% in Great Britain as a whole.
The 217,000 members of the Scottish tourism industry represent 9% of the country’s total employment and is the highest tourism level since Business Register and Employment Survey (BRES) records began in 2009.
41% of staff in the tourism industry work in restaurants, 24% in hotels and other accommodation and 17% in bars and related businesses.
SNP MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, Ben Macpherson said: “Our tourism industry is going from strength to strength and this increase in jobs shows the vital role that tourism plays in Scotland’s economy and particularly in Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh.
“Scotland is famed for its warm welcome, incredible scenery and world class attractions, specifically within the capital – and with 2017 as the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology we are celebrating our exceptional historical attractions.
“With Scotland ranked second in the Rough Guides’ list of the best countries in the world to visit this year, tourism in Edinburgh has a very bright future – especially as we celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.”
Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, said: “Tourism is more than a holiday experience. It creates jobs and sustains communities in every corner of Scotland all year round and is at the heart of the Scottish economy.
“These fantastic new figures show that, from hotel owners to waiting staff, tourism really is the driving force for providing the jobs of today and tomorrow. They also demonstrate the industry’s commitment to the 2020 strategy – which aims to generate economic growth through tourism.”
Economy Convener of the City of Edinburgh Council, Gavin Barrie, added: “These figures show that Edinburgh’s tourism sector continues to grow and support employment across the city.
“Last year a record number of people travelled to the city to experience Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, as well as the wider winter festival offering. 2016 also saw excellent hotel occupancy figures and a rise in the number of tourists coming to Edinburgh.
“The recent announcements of new air routes for 2017, such as Aegean Airline’s Edinburgh to Athens route and Eurowings’ Edinburgh to Munich route, will ensure our tourism sector continues to grow.
“The Council continues to support tourism in Edinburgh. We have created a training centre designed specifically for employees in the tourism sector, from those working in licensed premises to taxi and private hire drivers.”
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