Research & Statistics

Cruise market research

VisitScotland Marketing Research has published the summary of results from a comprehensive study into the cruise market and its potential for development in Scotland.

The main aim of the research was to assess the market and economic impact of cruise tourism to Scotland to enable VisitScotland and its partners to consider an appropriate strategy for developing Scotland as a cruise destination.  

The specific objectives for the research were as follows:

  • To understand the market position and opportunities for the various ports of call around Scotland in relation to the British Isles and European (Mediterranean, Baltic and Northern European) cruise markets;
  • To measure the current, and potential, economic impact of inbound cruise tourism to Scotland.

The study was commissioned, in conjunction with Scottish Enterprise, by the Irish based Tourism & Transport Consult International, who have recently completed similar studies for the ports of Southampton and Dover.

For more information on this research please download the summary of findings.

pdf Scottish Cruise Executive Summary Final  (PDF 100kb)

Some question and answers on the Cruise Market can be found in the FAQ section here