Visits to Scotch whisky distilleries hit the 2 million mark for the first time, with visits up 6.1% year on year and 56% more than in 2010.
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| Scotch whisky distillery visitor numbers hit 2m for the first time |
The survey showed spending at visitor centres was up by 12.2% to £68.3m - additional £7.4m compared with 2017 and 154% more than in 2010.
Over 20 different nationalities visited distilleries last year, with Germany and the USA providing the largest number of Scotch whisky tourists. Increased visits from France, Spain, and the Netherlands were also reported, as well as India and China.
Commenting on the news, Karen Betts, Scotch Whisky Association, Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted that Scotch whisky distilleries have become such popular places to visit. The growing number of visitors to distilleries reflects in part the growth in tourism in Scotland in general, and people coming to Scotland want to see our local crafts and sample our local food and drink. But it also reflects a growing curiosity about Scotch Whisky. Today’s consumers want to understand and experience how their favourite blends and malts are made, to meet the people who make them, and to see which part of Scotland’s beautiful landscape they call home.”
Karen continued by saying: “Distilleries offer something of an antidote to today’s fast-paced world, where visitors can see the slow, careful craft, rooted in a distinct sense of place, that creates Scotch Whisky. The growth in whisky tourism is also playing a crucial role in Scotland’s rural economy, with more stays at hotels, more bookings at restaurants, and more customers for local businesses, helping communities to grow and prosper.”
Collectively, Scotch whisky distilleries remain the third most visited attraction in Scotland.
Posted by Steve Rush