Tourism in East Lothian generates £379 million for local economy in 2024
East Lothian’s visitor economy continues to thrive, with the latest tourism impact figures showing a 9% year-on-year increase in economic benefit, generating £379 million in 2024.
According to the STEAM (Scottish Tourism Economic Activity Monitor) report, produced for us annually by Global Tourism Solutions (UK) Ltd, 1.56 million visitors came to East Lothian last year - up 9.5% on 2023 and 14% higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Two million overnight stays
Notably, overnight stays rose sharply, with staying visitor numbers increasing by 20.3%. These visitors generated over two million overnight stays, contributing £311 million to the local economy.
Day visitors also played a vital role, making up 63% of all visits and generating £68 million in economic impact.
Tourism spending supported more than 4,600 full-time equivalent jobs across the region, with accommodation, food and drink and transport being the largest employment sectors.
Tourism's vital role
Councillor John McMillan, East Lothian Council spokesperson for Environment, Economic Development and Tourism, said: “These results reflect the ongoing strength of East Lothian as a visitor destination and are testament to the success of the excellent work being done by our Destination Management and Marketing Organisation Visit East Lothian and businesses operators in the sector. Our continuously evolving and improving tourism sector is a real draw and this is particularly evident with the significant growth in overnight stays.
“East Lothian has long been a draw for visitors and day-trippers due to the appeal of our coast, countryside and communities and we have major events on the calendar too like the Genesis Scottish Open and Fringe by the Sea. These figures clearly show the vital role tourism plays in supporting local jobs and businesses and why tourism is a huge factor in the East Lothian Local Economy Strategy.”
To read the report, go to the Invest East Lothian website.