7th August 2023:
Tourism contributed more than £284million to the Dundee economy last year, according to new research published today.
The annual Scottish Tourism Economic Activity Monitor (STEAM) report showed that more people came to the city, stayed for longer and spent more than in the last year before the Covid-19 pandemic.
The economic impact of the sector in 2022 was up 33% on 2019, the last full year before Covid and its devastating disruption to the economy.
Total visitors increased by 1.7% over the same period to 1.25million, including a 23% increase in people staying overnight.
Dundee’s Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure Convener, Councillor Steven Rome, said: “The pandemic had a devastating impact on all sectors of the economy, but the tourism industry was particularly badly hit.
“These figures are extremely encouraging, showing that visitor numbers and spending have rebounded and are actually higher than in the last full year before the pandemic.
“It’s great to see so many people putting Dundee on their map, and in particular staying overnight as that has been a key focus for the sector.
“There can be no doubt that the message is getting out there about what a great place our city is to visit, whether for business or pleasure, and when people do arrive they discover how much there is to do and see and what a warm welcome they get.”
The STEAM report showed that around half of the economic impact was in the accommodation and food and drink sectors, with retail, recreation and transport also benefiting.
Direct employment in the tourism sector increased by 14%, from 2502 in 2019 to 2853 last year.
“Tourism is an essential contributor to our shared vision for a strong, smart and sustainable local economy with jobs and opportunities for all,” continued Councillor Rome.
“Already in 2023 we’ve had tens of thousands of people attend BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, while the tremendous Tartan Exhibition at V&A Dundee is attracting visitors from far and wide.
“There’s lots more to look forward in the years to come too, including the proposed Eden Dundee which alone is expected to contribute around £27million a year to the local economy and create around 200 jobs.
“While the STEAM figures for 2022 are positive,¬ we will never be complacent, and continue to work with our partners across the city to promote Dundee as a great place to live, work, study or visit.”
Chair of Dundee’s Tourism Leadership Group Isabel Bruce said: “The Tourism Leadership Group is delighted that all our hard work across the sector is putting Dundee strongly back on the map as a visitor destination.
“We are encouraged that the STEAM Report clearly shows our climb out of the worst of the economic crisis - induced firstly by the pandemic and then by cost of living factors - and demonstrated by the very positive increases in tourism spend and jobs.
“We are committed to continue playing our part and building on that momentum by providing experiences that grow Dundee as a come-to destination for day and overnight visitors.”