Scotch Whisky Association - Scotch Whisky Tourism Gives Massive Boost To Economy - 7th July, 2011
Scotch Whisky distilleries and visitor centres give a much-needed boost to the economy, the
job market and bring growing numbers of international tourists to Scotland, according to a
survey published today.
The Scotch Whisky and Tourism report commissioned by the Scotch Whisky Association
(SWA) from 4-consulting also identified the “distillery effect” which sees tourism and
cultural clusters forming in production areas. Scotch Whisky export growth is encouraging
new tourists from countries which are discovering a taste for Scotch to come to Scotland. Such visitors tend to spend more while visiting Scotland.
The report reveals that visitor centres and distilleries add £30.4 million in value to the
economy and provide 640 jobs – direct and indirect. The global impact of Scotch Whisky
tourism is clear as nine out of ten (86.1%) distillery visitors last year came from outside
Scotland, with nearly two thirds (62.3%) from outside the UK.
Campbell Evans, SWA Director of Government and Consumer Affairs, said: “Scotch Whisky
and tourism can be seen as the perfect blend and complement one another. Our survey shows
the scale of the economic impact of Scotch Whisky and how exports can help drive up
tourism. Spending by tourists, and the jobs created as a result, is injecting new money into the
Scottish economy.”
To maximise the link between Scotch Whisky and tourism, the industry, hospitality sector and
public agencies created the Scotch Whisky Embassy network in 2003. Comprising 90 hotels,
golf courses, bars and restaurants which meet specific quality criteria, the network added £43.2m to the economy and created almost 1,400 jobs. Embassy network members received
just under 10.4m visits last year, with 43% coming from outside Scotland.
The wider economic impact of Scotch Whisky tourism is clear from analysing the source of
tourists and its relationship to Scotch Whisky exports. For example, China represents one of
the fastest growing tourist markets for Scotland and Whisky was the Scottish produce most
commonly cited among potential Chinese tourists.
On average, every £100 million of Scotch Whisky exports are associated with £20.6m of
direct tourism spending. With Scotch Whisky exports of more than £3bn, it is estimated that
the industry is associated with around £640m of direct tourism. After accounting for
multiplier effects, the overall impact it likely to exceed £1 billion each year.
Mr Evans said: “We’ve found countries which are the biggest export markets for Scotch
Whisky tend to spend more on tourism in Scotland. At the same time, in countries where the
number of tourists to Scotland increases we see a willingness to pay more for a bottle of
Scotch Whisky. Scotch Whisky is an important part of Scottish culture and identity and has a
wide role to play in attracting overseas tourism.”
Have you seen all the whisky specials on offer at Loch Fyne Whiskies in Inveraray? All orders placed have next day delivery. Click to discover all these fantastic offers... Read More
Lagg Distillery, Isle of Arran 2nd Distillery officially opens to the public
Published Date: 2nd July 2019
Lagg Distillery, the second on the Isle of Arran, has officially opened its doors to the general public and is now welcoming visitors to the brand new site. Read more
Talisker bodega series launches talisker 41-year-old. Skye’s oldest distillery: a 1978 Vintage Single Malt Whisky
Talisker unveils the second release from the Bodega series, a 41-year-old aged in Manzanilla sherry casks
Published Date: 2nd July 2019
From August, Talisker will unveil the second release of only 2,000 bottles from the Talisker Bodega Series and the oldest official Single Malt, to date, from Skye’s oldest distillery: a 41-year-old 1978 Vintage.. Read more
Glen Scotia Distillery’s push reaches UK parliament to position Campbeltown as the "whiskiest place in the world"
Published Date: 2nd July 2019
Glen Scotia Distillery’s push to position Campbeltown as the “whiskiest place in the world” has made it all the way to Westminster, where the campaign has been recognised by a parliamentary motion. Read more
Distell digitally launches 2019 limited release malt collection: Malts from Bunnahabhain, Tobermory and Deanston Distilleries
Published Date: 26th June 2019
Award-winning whisky producer, Distell has chosen a modern and progressive route to unveiling its 2019 Limited Release Collection, reaching influencers and whisky lovers old and new solely through film and social media. Read more
Jura Single Malt Scotch Whisky announces rare opportunity to join tiny island distillery off the West Coast of Scotland
Published Date: 20th June 2019
Applications are open to become the Brand Home Manager at the popular Single Malt Whisky Distillery. Jura are seeking applicants to join the distillery team which sits at the heart of the tiny island community, with current population at c.212 people. Read More
Eden Mill Unveil £3.1m New Distillery Plans for new Production facilities in St Andrews, Fife.
Published Date: 20th June 2019
Eden Mill, the award-winning Scottish gin and whisky distiller, has submitted a planning application for a major £3.1m development of new production facilities in St Andrews, Fife, which is part of a longer term £8m investment programme. Read more
Mackmyra Svensk Whisky turns 20, Sweden's first ever single malt whisky distillery
Published Date: 19th June 2019
Mackmyra is turning 20 this year, both as a company and Sweden’s first ever single malt whisky distillery. Under the tagline “The Swedish Original since 1999”, our vision to be at the cutting edge and produce world-class, innovative and eco-friendly malt whisky is the same today as it was when we started. After 20 years of hard work, we now enjoy a well-deserved position as a leading distillery in the New World Whisky category. Read more
Glenfiddich Elevates Flagship Range With Sophisticated Redesign for 12 and 15 year old bottles.
World’s Most Awarded Single Malt Scotch Whisky takes signature 12 and 15 Year Old expressions to the next level
Published Date: 18th June 2019
18th June 2019, Dufftown: Glenfiddich, the World’s Most Awarded Single Malt Scotch Whisky, pays homage to its origins in the Valley of the Deer with a striking new package design for its 12 and 15 Year Old iconic whiskies. The new packaging will be rolled out in the UK and US to begin with from 18th June 2019, with Small Batch 18 Year Old following suit in 2020. Read more
Planning permission approved for Clynelish Distillery New Look visitor experience by Highland Council
Published Date: 17th June 2019
A key milestone has been reached in the journey to transform the Clynelish Distillery visitor experience after Highland Council formally granted planning permission for the development today (Monday 17th June 2019). Read more
Scotch Whisky distilleries and visitor centres give a much-needed boost to the economy, the
job market and bring growing numbers of international tourists to Scotland, according to a
survey published today.
