New analysis of tourism data has highlighted that the economic impact of tourism in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire reached £1.27 billion in 2024, a growth of 2% over 2023.
Latest figures from independent research conducted by Global Tourism Solutions (GTS) using the Scottish Tourism Economic Activity Monitor (STEAM) model show an upward trajectory for the region’s tourism sector. Growth was driven by up to 3.7 million visitors staying overnight in 2024. This is also boosted by day visits, with 2.59 million visitors experiencing the region’s quality tourism and hospitality products and experiences.
Highlights of the data analysis demonstrate that:
- The region attracted almost 3.7 million staying visitors in 2024, up 16.9% on 2023.
- Tourism directly employed 11,400 full-time equivalent jobs in 2024 across Aberdeen city and Aberdeenshire, an increase of 1.5% on 2023.
- Aberdeen city and Aberdeenshire welcomed over 2.59 million day visitors, up 2.8% from 2023
Chris Foy, CEO, VisitAberdeenshire, said, “The growth in visits is a clear indication that the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire is becoming an established destination for both leisure and conference visits. The attractors of our natural environment, cultural heritage, and welcoming communities are supported by high quality and abundant facilities from hotels and meeting venues to innovative visitor experiences. Our mission remains to attract more visitor who stay longer, spend more, and leave happier. From city to mountain to sea, the tourism sector is dynamic and impactful, supporting livelihoods and enriching lives. This progress is the result of significant public and private investment in quality infrastructure, alongside support from Opportunity North East and our local authorities for VisitAberdeenshire’s work”
Cllr Alan Turner, chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, said, “I am delighted to see that the regional economy through tourism last year grew to a very impressive £1.27billion. It is heartening to see that the financial support provided not only by us as a council but by various partners continues to enable VisitAberdeenshire to develop more innovative tourism products and services while also focusing directly on attracting ever more visitors to the north-east. We all know that Aberdeenshire has so much to offer visitors – from our historic castles, golf courses and distilleries to our award-winning museums and wealth of cafes, restaurants and bars. I am confident that these latest figures will clearly demonstrate to businesses and our communities that we are all very much committed to developing tourism across our communities in the future.”
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