An optimistic outlook on 2025

The Scottish Tourism Alliance (STAs) and 56 Degree Insights have recently published the results from its' latest Scottish Tourism Index.

The Spring 2025 edition suggests some continued recovery for domestic tourism in Scotland this year - and also investigates the Trump affect - how will it impact on holidays to the US and the welcome Americans visitors can expect in Scotland.

The Index indicates that by the end of April this year, 43% of Scots adults had already taken a holiday or break of some description away from home. A further 16% had not yet done so but had holidays booked, whilst 8% were definite that they would take a holiday(s) this year.

By the end of April 2025, 24% of Scots adults have already taken a domestic break this year, and with a further 22% claiming they are likely to do so, there is the potential of 46% of Scots taking a staycation of some description during 2025. Fife has seen 3% of the domestic holidays already taken, with an additional 2% possible (totalling a 5% potential for 2025).

Multiple barriers to Scots taking holidays have been identified in the Index, the main barriers are: Cost of living increase, Inflation, Cost of overseas holidays, Cost of domestic holidays, and Increasing fuel bills.

For more details and the full report you can find the full Index here.