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Tag: Visit Scotland

Survey Results: Quality Assurance

Posted on by Ali Campbell

We recently conducted a survey on the importance of quality assurance, asking for views through the EmbraceScotland social media and newsletter.  We wanted to know whether or not it is important to potential visitors to Scotland that our accommodation is quality assured.  The survey results showed that quality assurance does matter to many when booking, and also highlighted the importance of photographs and reviews.

QUESTION 1

All the holiday cottages on EmbraceScotland either have a quality star rating by VisitScotland or are part of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers’ Committed to Quality scheme.  Is it important to you when booking a holiday that the property is quality assured?

Yes = 41 (89.13%)

No = 5 (10.87%)

QUESTION 2

Would you still book a holiday cottage through EmbraceScotland if the properties do not belong to a quality assurance scheme?

Yes = 23 (48.94%)

No = 24 (51.06%)

Comments:

I would be more concerned with how the property looked and facilities than quality assurance. Normally go by reviews and photos to help me choose.

It’s not something I particularly look at, as long as the property looks in good order via photos, I wouldn’t necessarily need it to be rated. It’s probably more something I would look at for hotels.

Wouldn’t book any that had not been quality assured.

Checks should be tougher.

While a quality star rating gives some indication of the standard to expect, I would use TripAdvisor to check reviews before booking.

As long as clean and looks like it is on the website.

It’s a guide but not essential. Online reviews are becoming more relevant.

Along with other things like photos, good website etc.

I want to relax on holiday, clean well-appointed accommodation is essential.

I have been caught out once, never again.

Spotlessly clean is my priority.

I am conflicted about my answer because question 2 introduces an opposing answer.  It is very helpful to know that the current properties are screened and the quality will be assured.  A yes to question 2 is based on the thought that there may be newly listing properties that have not been rated, as yet, but may still be a good value.

Quality assurance is important to us.

I never expect or want luxury.  Just clean, comfortable and functional.

The two times I’ve been to Scotland I have never been disappointed.

I don’t bother as I look at the photographs of the accommodation and make up my own mind.

Very important and so far we find standards better than self-catering not in scheme.

It is a useful indication to what to expect, but in my experience the property does not always live up to what you expect for the grading.

Would hope this reduces uncertainty in booking.

Increase in Tourism Numbers

Posted on by Ali Campbell

Tourism visitor numbers increase again

Overseas and domestic tourism visitors to Scotland have both increased by seven per cent in the last year to the end of June 2015 according to new figures.

With overseas and domestics visitors combined over 15.5 million tourists visited Scotland last year and spent over £5 billion, an increase of 10 per cent from the previous 12 months.

The figures also show:

  • An increase of visitor numbers from Europe of six per cent and an increase in expenditure of seven per cent
  • An increase of expenditure of 16per cent from tourists coming from North America who spent £488 million in the 12 months
  • The eight per cent increase in domestic visitors to Scotland is set against no increase in domestic visitors for Great Britain as a whole

Commenting on the figures Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing said: 

“These figures are hugely encouraging for the Scottish tourism industry as we continue to outperform Great Britain as a whole. 

“The rise in both visitors and expenditure show that Scotland is a destination that offers quality experiences and visitors are prepared to spend their money in our hotels, tourism attractions and restaurants.

“This success is as a result of the efforts of our hotels, B&B’s self-catering properties, caravan and holiday home parks, visitor attractions, restaurants and cafes and generally the people who work to make our visitors welcome to Scotland.   We have upped our game and improved standards of accommodation food and seen record investment across the sector – both public and private.

“This is despite their being amongst the highest VAT and Air Passenger Duty in the world – and despite the failure of the UK Government to provide Scotland with proper air slots at London airports as they dither and delay for further years over the Heathrow – Gatwick debate. 

“I’m pleased to see the increase in tourists from Europe who now spend over £960 million here in Scotland. This is especially good news in light of the strong Euro during this period. 

“Scotland continues to welcome all our visitors warmly and has a growing reputation internationally as a place to visit.” 

Malcolm  Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland said:

“It is encouraging that despite increased competition from other markets Scottish tourism is continuing to perform well, particularly in relation to overall spend by visitors and it’s good to see that the European market remains robust in spite of the Euro’s weakness against the Pound.

“2015 has ensured the global spotlight remains firmly on Scottish shores, thanks in part, to the culinary celebrations of the Year of Food and Drink and Scotland’s sterling event line up. The creation and introduction of new and direct flights means it is also now easier than ever for visitors to get here. 

“Both this year and last has given us a taste of what is possible when the Scottish tourism industry harnesses its skills, enthusiasm and dedication. As we move towards the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design in 2016 and beyond, we must continue investing and working together, using all our strengths – our scenery, world-famous attractions, enthralling events and our warm and welcoming people – to keep Scotland at the forefront of visitors’ minds.”

(The figures which cover Q2 2014 – Q2 2015 are published by the Office of National Statistics and VisitScotland.)