Scottish Cities Alliance

Scotland is famous for being among the most beautiful – and friendliest – destinations in the world.

With a host of world-class attractions and breathtaking scenery, it’s no wonder the country is a magnet for tourists.

Tourism contributes more than £4 billion to our economy every year, and last year we welcomed more than 3.2 million overseas visitors.

Investment in tourism continues to grow and Scotland’s cities are leading the way.

Glasgow has just launched its ambitious 2030 Tourism Strategy, which aims to boost the value of tourism to the city’s economy and enhance visitor experiences – all in a sustainable, inclusive way.

Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life, said:

Tourism plays a vital role in Glasgow’s economy and helps to showcase the city as a vibrant and dynamic destination.

Our refreshed strategy will make sure tourism benefits and creates value for Glaswegians. Whether that’s helping develop careers in the visitor economy, improving people’s skills through volunteering at major events or simply providing the opportunity for people to enjoy the city’s cultural life.

Across Tayside, a new initiative aims to use the power of technology to boost tourism and hospitality.

Tay Cities Traveltech Testbeds launched in October and is inviting applications from businesses across Angus, Dundee, North East Fife, and Perth and Kinross. Firms can bid to access innovative new tech solutions designed to combat challenges such as staff shortages.

Successful businesses will benefit from the latest artificial intelligence, automation, augmented reality and operational tools, valued up to £1,500.

With its £1 billion waterfront project, including new hotels, visitor attractions, restaurants and businesses, there are plenty of reasons to visit Dundee – recently named one of the top 10 European cities most worth exploring.

Research into social media mentions by StressFreeCarRental.com found Dundee clocked up an impressive 1.2 million Instagram hashtags posted by travellers, putting it at number nine on the list – and the only Scottish destination.

Two Scottish cities have also made it onto Time Out’s list of the world’s 40 coolest neighbourhoods.

Leith in Edinburgh and the West End in Glasgow placed at 16 and 20 respectively, beating competition from areas in the likes of London, Paris and Miami.

The ranking is part of the global media and hospitality brand’s annual survey. They asked 12,000 people from their international audience to nominate areas of cities which have the best “mix of cutting-edge culture, affordable great food and drink, street life, nightlife and community”.

Time Out travel editor Grace Beard said:

What stands out with this year’s Time Out Coolest Neighbourhoods is that, while most of them have seen transformation over recent years, they remain resolutely local-at-heart.

Exciting new openings across culture, food and drink are bringing in new crowds, but neighbourhood stalwarts – from old pubs to family greengrocers – keep it real.

Visitors to the Granite City can also be sure they’re in for a great day out as Aberdeen Science Centre has retained its status as a five-star attraction for the second year in a row.

The prestigious Quality Assurance award is handed out by VisitScotland as a benchmark for exceptional quality in the tourism industry.

David Jackson, VisitScotland’s Regional Director for Aberdeen, said:

The team should be proud of this achievement which acknowledges the high-quality experience visitors receive when visiting this key attraction in the northeast.

Achieving five stars under VisitScotland’s Quality Assurance Scheme reflects the centre’s commitment to quality across the organisation and at all stages of the experience they offer to visitors.

Attracting more than 50,000 visitors a year, Aberdeen Science Centre is one of only two five-star attractions in the city. The other title holder is the Gordon Highlanders Museum which reopened in 2021 following a major upgrade.

A Scottish city has also won the title of Europe’s best sustainable tourism destination for 2023 in the World Travel Awards.

Edinburgh came out top for its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, including a commitment to become more plant-based. The award was announced after a year of voting by the public as well as verified travel experts.

With so much to offer, Scotland’s cities can proudly count themselves among the best tourist destinations in the world.