Travel costs unpopular with visitors to Scotland

ALMOST half of visitors to Scotland are unhappy about the amount they have to spend on their travel, a new survey has revealed.

Research for the national tourism agency has also found that the lack of low-cost accommodation is one of the biggest sources of complaint about holidaying in Scotland.

However, the report also found that more than two thirds of visitors would “definitely” return to Scotland on holiday within the next five years.

A third of tourists surveyed during last year’s peak season said they were first-time visitors.

According to the research, commissioned from TNS Research International by Visit-Scotland, 88 per cent of visitors would recommend a holiday in Scotland based on their experience.

The survey saw 1,881 visitors questioned about their holiday last August and September.

Scotland’s natural scenery and landscapes were cited as the main inspiration to book a holiday here, by 58 per cent of people, while B&B’s and guest houses were the most popular form of accommodation, booked by 28 per cent of visitors.

However, 29 per cent of visitors complained about the lack of cheap accommodation, while 27 per cent said they were unhappy about the “value for money” of a holiday in Scotland.

The cost of travel was a source of complaint for 43 per cent of visitors, with 27 per cent of visitors complaining about the convenience of air routes.

Mike Cantlay, VisitScotland’s chairman, said: “Tourism has the potential to be our most powerful asset, but we all need to work together to make the most of every opportunity – especially given the fact that around a third of our visitors are here for the first time.”