Rise in tourists visiting the Hebrides 16/2/14
The number of tourists to the Outer Hebrides has risen according to a new survey.
The Islands Visitor Survey shows that just over 218,000 people visited the islands
spending over £53.5 million over a year. A previous survey reported 171,137 visitors
in 2006.
Some 48% of leisure visitors interviewed were returning to the islands having previously
enjoyed holidays in the Outer Hebrides.
Satisfaction levels amongst visitors surveyed were very high with 87% being ‘very
satisfied’ and a further 11% being ‘fairly satisfied’.
Scenery and landscape was the main attraction to come with 74% saying they enjoyed
the fabulous beaches and coastal scenery while 64% liked the short walks.
Cllr Alasdair Macleod, development chairman at the Comhairle said: “It is very reassuring
to see that satisfaction levels are so high and that the vast majority of visitors
would recommend the Outer Hebrides as a holiday destination to their friends and
relatives. The Comhairle will continue to work with the local industry and VisitScotland
to ensure that the numbers of visitors to our islands continue to rise.”
Alan Mackenzie, VisitScotland’s Island Manager, said: “Tourism is a key driver to
the economy of the Outer Hebrides and these results illustrate how resilient and
sustainable the industry is in the long term.”