This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Rise in number of overseas visitors
12/01/2006
The number of overseas visitors coming to Scotland continued to rise in the third quarter of last year, according to new figures from the International Passenger Survey.
Data for the first three quarters of 2005 shows that increases seen in the first six months were sustained, with a rise of 35 per cent in the total number of visitors from overseas compared to the first nine months of 2004.
The number of visitors to Scotland from Europe rose by 67 per cent in the same period, while visitor numbers from North America to Scotland increased by 3 per cent.
For the first time, the 2005 figures include an estimate of the number of visitors who arrived in Scotland via Prestwick, which may account for some of the increase, especially in the European figures.
Tourism Minister Patricia Ferguson said:
"These encouraging figures prove that Scotland continues to be an irresistible draw for overseas visitors, which is set against a backdrop of increasing global competition.
"Our friendly people, unbeatable scenery, vibrant cities and cutting-edge culture are the ingredients helping to serve up a memorable experience for our guest from overseas."
"Tourism is everybody's business and vital to Scotland's economy. We will work with the industry to realise their ambition of 50 per cent growth in the next decade."