Glasgow Airport’s passenger numbers soar to 9.4-million Golden Anniversary year
January 11, 2017Last few remaining at Abbey Place
January 11, 2017
The number of people working in tourism in Renfrewshire increased by 14% in one year, new figures show – with Scotland as a whole seeing an increase of 11 per cent.
The statistics produced by Visit Scotland show that tourism supports 5,800 jobs in Renfrewshire, 7% of total jobs
in the area.
Between 2014 and 2015, the number of people employed in the sector across Scotland grew to 217,000 – with the 14 per cent increase in Renfrewshire above the 11 per cent rise in Scotland as a whole.
The 217,000 members of the Scottish tourism industry represent 9 per cent of the country’s total employment and is
the highest tourism level since Business Register and Employment Survey (BRES) records began in 2009.
SNP MSP Derek Mackay commented:
“Our tourism industry is going from strength to strength and this increase in jobs shows the vital role that tourism plays in Scotland’s economy and particularly in Renfrewshire.
“Scotland is famed for its warm welcome, incredible scenery and top class attractions – and with 2017 the Year of
History, Heritage and Archaeology we are celebrating our exceptional historical attractions.
“With Glasgow Airport recording yet more record breaking passenger numbers, it is clear to see the knock on effect
the Airport brings to Renfrewshire in terms of employment via tourism, with Renfrewshire being the gateway to Scotland for many a visitor. However, we can do more in Renfrewshire to try and keep tourists here, visiting our wonderful buildings, learning about our history and spending time and money in our local shops and cafes.
“With Scotland ranked second in the Rough Guides list of the best countries in the world to visit this year, tourism in Renfrewshire could have a very bright future.”
Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, said:
“Tourism is more than a holiday experience. It creates jobs and sustains communities in every corner of Scotland all year round and is at the heart of the Scottish economy.
“These fantastic new figures show that, from hotel owners to waiting staff, tourism really is the driving force for providing the jobs of today and tomorrow. They also demonstrate the industry’s commitment to the 2020 strategy – which aims to generate economic growth through tourism.”
