To maximise the opportunities from this year's series of events to mark Robert Burns' 250th anniversary, the Scottish Government is working across all sectors and businesses to boost tourism numbers and the overall economic benefits from Homecoming 2009.
- Over 300 events are taking place across Scotland this year from Burns Night to St. Andrew's Day.
- We have a target of an eightfold return on core investment generating an anticipated additional £40 million in tourism revenue. Our target of 100,000 additional international visitors is already expected to be exceeded.
- Demand for tickets at key events is very strong. For example, the Gathering has already sold 6,000 of the 8,000 'passports' to the Clan Parade and Clan Pageant to Scots around the world.
- VisitScotland brought forward £1.5 million within 2008-09 from its marketing budget to capitalise on Scotland's attractiveness as a holiday destination due to the weakness of pound sterling.
- 111,000 US households with Scots ancestry received an invitation to come home in 2009, through VisitScotland's biggest ever mailshot campaign in the US.
- Our Caledonia TV advert, featuring a range of famous Scots, has already been seen by more than 60% of the Scottish adult population and has been shown in key markets internationally.
- Through our sponsorship deal with the Scottish Football Association, the Scottish Homecoming Cup is promoting Homecoming 2009 to a huge global audience (4 million people across 40 countries watched the Scottish Cup in 2007).
- The final stage of the World Rally Championship is coming to Scotland as part of the Homecoming programme, bringing an estimated 30,000 visitors.
Latest news:
Funding of £190,000 to host a series of events as part of next year's Homecoming celebrations has been announced.