Visit Moray Speyside Celebrates Significant Increase in Tourism for 2023

Visit Moray Speyside is delighted to announce a significant increase in tourism numbers for 2023, marking a remarkable recovery and growth following the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest figures from the annual STEAM report, produced by Global Tourism Solutions, highlight the region's strong appeal and the effective efforts of the tourism sector.

In 2023, Moray Speyside welcomed 877,000 visitors, a substantial increase from 707,000 in 2022 and 804,000 in 2019 (a previous peak in visitor numbers for the region). The economic impact of tourism in the region has also seen impressive growth, reaching £186 million in 2023, up from £148 million in 2022 and £134 million in 2019. This growth is a testament to the resilience and attractiveness of Moray Speyside as a premier travel destination. The tourism sector continues to be a vital component of the local economy, providing employment for 2,904 individuals in 2023, compared to 2,792 in 2022. This increase in jobs underscores the sector's pivotal role in supporting the community and contributing to economic stability.

Gemma Cruickshank, CEO of Visit Moray Speyside, expressed her enthusiasm about the positive trends: "We are thrilled to see such a significant rebound in visitor numbers and economic impact. The dedication of our tourism businesses and the unique attractions of Moray Speyside have truly paid off. Our region's stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture continue to captivate visitors from across the globe."

Visitor Insights
The recent VisitScotland Visitor Survey 2023 provides further insights into the profile of visitors to Moray Speyside:
• Visitor Demographics: 84% of visitors to Moray Speyside were domestic travellers.
• Average Stay: Visitors stayed an average of 10.7 nights in Scotland, including 4.7 nights specifically in Moray.
• Popular Activities: 77% of visitors chose Moray Speyside for its breathtaking scenery and landscape, 44% for outdoor activities, 41% for its rich history and culture and 38% visited friends and family.
• Accommodation Choices: 82% of guests opted for non-serviced accommodation such as camping, self-catering, or motorhomes.
• Coastal Appeal: 14% of visitors stayed in one coastal location, highlighting the region's appeal for seaside experiences.

Sarah Medcraf, CE of Moray Chamber said: "Delighted to read the news from Visit Moray Speyside this afternoon that we welcomed 877k visitors last year - a 9% increase from our previous peak year in 2019. The tourism sector in Moray employs almost 3000 people and is an important ever-growing part of our economy.
Worth £186m to us, we must work together to protect and enhance our region's offering and continue to be a world class destination."

Access the Full VisitScotland Local Area Factsheet - https://morayspeyside.com/scot...

About the STEAM Report The annual STEAM (Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor) report has been commissioned by Visit Moray Speyside and its predecessor, Moray Speyside Tourism, since 2010. The report provides a comprehensive summary of visitor numbers and economic impact, using data from regional sources and the VisitScotland national occupancy monitor. Access the Steam Report - https://morayspeyside.com/app/...