Whisky Focus - Scotch Whisky Tourism Best Year Ever

The 2017 annual survey compiled by the Scotch Whisky Association has revealed that Scotch Whisky tourism saw record numbers of visitors in 2017, with 1.9million visits to Scotch Whisky distilleries from tourists from all over the world as well as from across the UK.

The survey also revealed spending at visitor centres was up by 15.6% to £60.9m with visitor centres reporting that the highest number of visitors came from Germany and the USA, followed by those from India, China and Japan.

Karen Betts, Scotch Whisky Association chief executive, said: "These record figures are great news for the industry and great news for Scotland.

"These are exciting times. Scotch Whisky distilleries have invested - and continue to invest - hugely in providing world-class visitor facilities at their sites all over Scotland, and they are collaborating in establishing new whisky trails and finding new ways of telling the story of Scotch to British and foreign visitors alike. And it's a wonderful story: part traditional, part modern and set among Scotland's communities and in its breathtaking landscapes.

"We will continue to work closely and collaboratively with tourist organisations, local councils and the Scottish Government to ensure that Scotland's tourists have a memorable time visiting our country and experiencing all it has to offer.

"Whisky tourism is on the up, but tourists are often surprised that Scotch is more expensive here in the UK than it is in their home countries. They are surprised to know that £3 in every £4 spent on a bottle of Scotch in the UK goes to the government in tax. If tax rises further in the Autumn Budget, this will put at risk further industry investment in future growth."

Over the past 12 months distilleries have continued to recognise the value of Scotch Whisky tourism, making significant investments to improve the visitor experience - from introducing interactive experiences to extending opening hours, upgrading infrastructure to meet demand and improving the knowledge of tour guides.

New and existing visitor centres are also planned to further tell the story of how Scotch is made, and to welcome visitors to the world of Scotch Whisky.

The Chair of the Malt Whisky Trail, James Johnston OBE commented on figures from the Scotch Whisky Association, saying: "Not only does the Scotch Whisky industry have many loyal fans, it is also seeing a worldwide surge in new Scotch whisky drinkers – it is therefore no surprise that more people want to come to Scotland to see the home of Scotch.

"Speyside has the highest concentration of malt whisky distilleries in the world and our partner members of The Malt Whisky Trail have been investing in their visitor centres to help explain the fascinating history and craft of whisky-making, as well as adding to the overall authenticity and experience.

"Separate figures recently released by Moray Speyside Tourism show that Moray has particularly benefited from this trend with an extra 50,000 visitors last year alone. Tourists tell us that Moray is like 'Scotland in miniature' which may explain why it is outperforming most of the rest of Scotland in terms of year-on-year growth. We know that visitors to this unspoilt part of Scotland have an unforgettable experience, so we expect this trend to continue"

You will find Grant's blended Scotch whisky range available from specialist online whisky retailers such as The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt
 

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