Crucial role of cruise tourism to Scotland revealed, with £343 million economic contribution
New data published today has highlighted for the first time the full benefits that cruise tourism brings to Scotland.
The new report from Oxford Economics, commissioned by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), highlights the substantial economic value of cruise tourism to Scotland, underlining its role in supporting jobs, businesses, and communities across the country.
The study found that in 2023, cruise tourism:
- Generated £343 million in total economic output in Scotland.
- Contributed £173 million to GDP.
- Supported 4,712 jobs across a wide range of sectors.
- Delivered £145 million in wages to Scottish workers.
- Produced £61 million in tax revenues, benefiting public services and infrastructure.
The report shows that cruise tourism’s impact extends far beyond port towns, benefiting a broad spectrum of businesses and communities. These include:
- Hospitality and tourism operators such as hotels, restaurants, and tour companies.
- Transport providers, including coach, taxi, and rail operators.
- Retailers, including independent craft and gift shops.
- Supply chain businesses, including food and beverage suppliers, fuel providers, maintenance contractors, and port services.
- Local cultural and heritage attractions that see increased visitor numbers.
“The North East of Scotland is reaping the benefits of the Port’s recent expansion. It is clear that cruise tourism brings with it significant benefits for local people and businesses, whether they be in the hospitality sector, tourism providers, or local businesses who work with the port.”
The report comes as Scotland nears the end of this summer’s cruise tourism season, with the country welcoming over one million visits from cruise guests this year alone. Port of Aberdeen is having a record season, welcoming 70 cruise ships and up to 48,000 guests. The port recently invested £420 million in Aberdeen South Harbour, which has transformed its capacity and capability for handling bigger cruise ships up to 300 metres long. The port is focused on spreading the benefits of this tourism to the local region, with it establishing CruiseAberdeenshire last year, in collaboration with VisitAberdeenshire.
Andy Harmer OBE, Managing Director, CLIA UK & Ireland, said: “Cruise plays a vital role in Scotland’s visitor economy. Cruise 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."
Bob Sanguinetti DL, CEO, Port of Aberdeen, continued: "With the recent introduction of CruiseAberdeenshire, we are helping to raise the profile of our somewhat unexplored region with the international cruise industry, allowing more people to visit and discover all that Aberdeen Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire has to offer."
