Visitors from the Netherlands

1. Market performance 2024

In 2024, the Netherlands was Scotland’s fourth largest international source market, measured by number of visits. It was ranked fourth by expenditure and fourth by number of nights.

Dutch visitors accounted for 7% of all overseas visits to Scotland and 5% of all overseas spend in Scotland in 2024.

Continuing on from a very strong performance in 2023, 2024 broke new records in terms of visits, nights, and spend in Scotland.

The total number of visits from the Netherlands increased by 6% from 2023 and by 63% from pre-pandemic levels.

Similarly, expenditure and the number of nights spent in Scotland also reached record levels in 2024 with increases of 17% and 12% respectively on 2023.

The average spend per visit in 2024 was £649, up 10% on 2023.

The average length of stay was 6 nights, an increase from an average of 5.74 nights in 2023.

Source: International Passenger Survey , 2024

3. VisitBritain MIDAS research 2022

In 2022, our partner, VisitBritain undertook comprehensive research with international leisure travellers. They spoke to global tourists from many markets, including the Netherlands.

Whilst the research focuses on perceptions and experiences of Britain, there are insights which are useful for the Scottish tourism industry.

West European markets are more likely to demand a variety of interesting people, experiences and food and beverage options. These needs seem more distinctive than drivers in the other European regions.

Read the full MIDAS research on visitbritain.org.