Moray’s thriving tourist industry enjoyed an almost 20% increase in its workforce within the space of just one year.
Newly-released Visit Scotland statistics show that jobs in the sector soared by 608 between 2014 and 2015.
The number of people employed in the industry rose from 2,592 to 3,200, which means 9% of people working in the area are attached to the visitor trade.
A spike in restaurant, hotel and bar recruitment is believed to be behind the large rise..
The region’s MSP, Richard Lochhead, predicted that number could expand further in the coming years.
He said: “Our tourism industry is going from strength to strength, and this increase in jobs shows the vital role that tourism plays in Moray’s and Scotland’s economy.
“Moray is famed for its warm welcome, incredible scenery and top class attractions, including Speyside’s world famous whisky industry.
“And with 2017 being Scotland’s year of history, heritage and archaeology, we are celebrating our exceptional historical attractions.”
Chief Executive of Visit Scotland, Malcolm Roughead, added: “Tourism is more than a holiday experience.
“It creates jobs and sustains communities in every corner of Scotland all year round, and is at the heart of the Scottish economy.”