Cruise a ‘vital contributor’ to Scottish economy, new study finds
Cruise tourism generated £343 million in total economic output in Scotland in 2023, according to a new study commissioned by CLIA
The findings come after a proposal to give local authorities powers to charge a ship levy won support from Highland councillors in May. Officials said tourism has seen “incredible growth” in the region, which has also created a “range of pressures”.
However, new data from Oxford Economics has highlighted the substantial economic value of cruise tourism to Scotland, underlining its role in supporting jobs, businesses and communities.
The study found that in 2023, cruise tourism generated £343 million in total economic output in Scotland and contributed £173 million to GDP.
The sector further supported 4,712 jobs across a range of sectors, delivered £145 million in wages to Scottish workers and produced £61 million in tax revenues, benefitting public services and infrastructure.
The report highlights that cruise tourism’s impact extends beyond port towns, benefitting a spectrum of businesses and communities like hospitality and tourism operators such as hotels, restaurants, and tour companies, as well as transport providers, including coach, taxi, and rail operators.
The report comes as Scotland nears the end of this summer’s tourism season, with the country welcoming more than one million visits from cruisers this year alone.
Andy Harmer OBE, managing director of CLIA UK & Ireland, said: “Cruise plays a vital role in Scotland’s visitor economy. Guests love to visit Scottish cities, remote islands steeped in history and the beauty of Scotland’s Highlands and coastline.
“In doing so, these guests support thousands of jobs across the country and bring with them substantial economic benefits for Scotland.”
Rob Mason, chair of Cruise Scotland, said: “Ships bring tourists from all over the world to Scotland. They visit coastal communities around the country that tourists rarely visit, bringing with them vast economic opportunities. With cruise calls being planned up to three years in advance, this provides added stability for the local businesses that rely on the cruise calls and helps us to maximise the benefits of cruise to Scotland.”
