Scotland expects summer boom
Scotland will have a boost in tourism business this year, according to a report from the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS).
The RBS and Scottish Tourist Board jointly conducted a survey, asking more than 500 Scottish tourist-related businesses about prospects. It found nearly all types of operation were more optimistic than a year ago.
"Not only are tourism operators facing the season ahead with a great deal of confidence, they are planning investment in new and improved facilities," said Gerry Mullan, tourism economist at the RBS.
The survey's findings, reported in the Scottish Tourism Index, show large hotels and visitor attractions had the most positive outlook, with a balance of 38% and 30% respectively stating they expected an increase in trade.
The RBS believes prices will firm up over this year. Mr Mullan said some operators had already introduced price increases of up to 5%.
The survey results were published shortly after the announcement of final figures for 1995 tourism, which show spending on Scottish holidays was up by 11% in real terms. There was particularly good growth from English visitors.
Other figures out this month give mixed messages for UK hospitality businesses for the year so far.
In Wales, hoteliers saw a one percentage-point fall in bedroom occupancy in April 1996 compared with the same month the year before.
But for the UK as a whole, both visitor numbers and the amount they spend are up year on year.
Taking estimates for March 1996 and comparing them with the same month the previous year shows the total number of overseas visitors up 12% to 1.79 million and their spending up nearly 2% to £805,000.
