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Scotland reports slump in tourist numbers
More than a million fewer tourists visited Scotland during 2008, when compared with the previous year, according to new figures published by the Scottish national tourism agency VisitScotland.
Research compiled by VisitScotland reported an 8 per cent decrease in the number of people visiting Scotland for an overnight stay last year, which contributed to a £156m fall in tourism spending along with a decline in business tourism. Visits to Scotland by other UK nationals constituted 83 per cent of the total number of inbound tourists during 2008, which increased by 1 per cent on 2007 levels, while the EU overtook the US as the country's largest overseas market.
A spokesperson for VisitScotland said: "Although 2009 continues to be a challenging year for Scottish tourism, early indications suggest that Scotland is performing well against the rest of the UK. The feedback from the tourism industry is one of cautious optimism. "The strength of the Euro is positioning Scotland as a strong destination for our domestic tourists who may have traditionally holidayed abroad and are now looking to holiday at home for increased value for money. Also, we will undoubtedly be seen as an attractive and affordable option with our European visitors."