Visitor numbers at one of Scotland’s National Park’s have risen by nearly 20% since 2019, a new report has shown.
The number of visitors to the Cairngorms National Park during the typically off-peak periods from January to March and October to November grew 18% in 2023 compared to 2019, according to the new tourism economic report.
It’s the first year that visitor numbers have recovered enough to exceed pre-pandemic figures. On average, visitor numbers for the full 2023 year were up 4% compared with 2019.
National Park bosses say it’s welcome news with tourism being so vital to the Cairngorms area, contributing an estimated £419 million to the local economy.
Gaelle Delagrave, Marketing and Communications Director at Macdonald Aviemore Resort, said: "We're pleased with the increase in off-peak visitor numbers to the Cairngorms National Park.
"At our resort, strategic partnerships with local attractions such as the Highland Wildlife Park and Landmark Adventure Forest Park have enriched our winter offerings, creating unique experiences that attract visitors during traditionally quieter months."
With the majority of the two million people who visit the Cairngorms annually doing so between April and September, the National Park Authority has been putting an emphasis on stabilising visitor numbers during peak season and focusing on growth in the quieter months.
It’s part of the National Park Partnership Plan which is re-launching a winter marketing campaign to boost numbers.
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Businesses have collaborated locally to coordinate opening days and hours to ensure visitors and residents can experience activities and eat out every day of the week.
Gavin Miles, Director of Planning and Place at the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said: “During the consultation phase for the latest National Park Partnership Plan, we heard from nearly 1,500 people who live, visit and work in the National Park.
“They said getting a more even spread of visitors throughout the year was critical for sustaining the local economy, jobs, and visitor infrastructure and reducing the impact on nature. These topics were built into the plan’s objectives and a lot of work has been done on meeting these over the past 18 months.
“It is really encouraging to see the significant growth in visitors in 2023 who came to the National Park in the quieter months, and that visitor numbers in the summer returned to similar levels as 2019.
“This has been a joint effort between partners and local businesses, working together to deliver the winter marketing campaign and adding to the overall offering to visitors. We’ll continue to work on these objectives with residents, communities, local businesses, and our partners to ensure a better balance is struck for the tourism economy in the National Park.”
The findings, which were published today by the Park Authority were generated using STEAM, the tourism-specific economic impact model, contracted annually by all 15 UK national parks.
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