Marine tourism - a key role in boosting Scotland’s economy

In a press release from British Marine Scotland - a national study has found that Scotland’s economy has recorded a multi-million pound boost thanks to marine tourism during 2022.

According to the Economic Value of Boating Tourism in Scotland Survey 2022, sailing / boating is estimated to contribute £84 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) and 3,100 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) jobs – many in rural and fragile coastal communities.

Prepared by EKOS on behalf of British Marine Scotland, RYA Scotland, Scottish Canals, Crown Estate Scotland, South of Scotland Enterprise Agency and the local authorities of North Ayrshire, Argyll and Bute, Dundee, Highland, and Inverclyde, the study, which is undertaken every 6 / 7 years (2009, 2016, 2022), provides vital evidence on how the boating / sailing tourism sector is performing in Scotland. It ensures that the industry, as well as partners / stakeholders, has quality, robust data on recent performance with a forward-looking view to identify challenges and opportunities.

Survey responses were provided from boaters and leisure cruisers, operators, charter organisations and strategic stakeholders. The report sets out key findings and looking to the future, the study also found that there are opportunities to reframe the lens by which the sector considers future development opportunities. 

Significant engagement, consultation and survey work was undertaken over a four-month period to gather the relevant data and qualitative insights to feed into the study.

Visit the British Marine website to read the full press release.