17/06/2010 - Wildlife tourism making £65m a year
Wildlife tourism is bringing in £65 million a year to the Scottish economy and the country's wildlife is proving to be a particular draw for holidaymakers, research has shown.
According to the study the industry helps to maintain more than 2,700 jobs with more than 1.12 million trips made each year to Scotland.
The most popular areas with tourists are the Highlands and islands followed by Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.
Researchers from Bournemouth University carried out the study for the Scottish Government looking at the land, coast and sea.
Terrestrial wildlife has a net impact of £27 million and supports 1,136 jobs, marine wildlife brings in a net £15 million and supports 633 jobs and coastal wildlife attracts £24 million and provides 995 jobs, the report found.
The total spent by tourists is much higher at £276 million but, taking into account jobs, income, accommodation and the wider supply chain, the net impact was put at about £65 million.
Tourists from around the UK account for about half the total visits and three quarters of the money spent.
Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "Tourism is vital to Scotland's economic recovery.
"As one of Europe's leading year-round wildlife destinations with a world-famous reputation for natural heritage, Scotland has a great deal to offer."
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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