The tourism industry is booming across the north and north-east, with jobs in the sector soaring by as much as 40% in just two years.
A new VisitScotland study revealed the figures – and also predicted that tourists would flock to the nation in even greater numbers in coming years, growing Scottish tourism’s economic value by 53.4% by 2025.
The report included a breakdown of new jobs in tourism between 2010 and 2012, revealing that Moray was the only local authority area in the north and north-east to experience a decline, with 9% fewer posts.
There were 10% more tourism jobs in Aberdeen by 2012, 15% more in Aberdeenshire, a 13% rise was recorded in Highland, a 25% increase in Argyll and Bute, a 30% rise in the Western Isles, 36% more in Orkney and 40% in Shetland.
VisitScotland, the national tourism agency, said the sector was currently worth £11.6billion to the nation’s economy but that would grow to £23.1billion by 2025, when it will represent 11.5% of Scottish GDP.
It currently supports 292,000 jobs across Scotland, 10.9% of total employment, but the report predicts it rising to 349,000 in 2025.
Mike Cantlay, chairman of VisitScotland, said: “Tourism is a cornerstone of Scottish industry and is vitally important to the ongoing stabilisation of the economy.
“I’m delighted to see the importance being placed on tourism, highlighting the fundamental role it has in job creation, economic growth and ultimately putting Scotland firmly on the front foot after a difficult economic period.”
The tourism chief added that next year offered an opportunity for Scotland to create a “lasting legacy”, with the nation to host the Ryder Cup, the Commonwealth Games, the Homecoming Scotland celebrations and MTV Europe Music Awards.
Alan Reid, MP for Argyll and Bute, said: “I’m very pleased to hear of all the jobs that have been created for the region’s economy in tourism.
“I congratulate all of the businesses involved. It’s clearly a very attractive place to come.”
Asked about Moray’s jobs drop, Laura Cruickshank, the operations manager at Moray Chamber of Commerce, said that another report had showed a rise of 8% in tourism performance in the region between January to June this year.
“Moray has huge potential in tourism much of which is currently undersold, but it is hoped that 2014 onwards may see this capitalised and further developed over the next few years,” she added.