Simply the Fest

Edinburgh festival – a party created for locals brings in over £130 million in extra revenue to the city

As the Edinburgh Festivals get into full swing this August weekend VisitScotland is celebrating the impact the annual showcase of the best of music, arts and culture has on its tourism industry.

And the festivals (there are actually 6 of them in August) are all created primarily for locals to enjoy. See video interview HERE

Latest statistics reveal that domestic visitor numbers to Scotland’s capital increase by two thirds during peak festival season.

On average, 290,000 domestic visitor trips are made to Edinburgh in August compared with 186,000 in July with overnight domestic visitors boosting the economy by £73 million.

International visitors also make an average of 174,000 holiday trips to Edinburgh and the Lothians in August, contributing £63 million in expenditure.

Not just one festival – in August, the capital plays host to the Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh International Festival Fringe, Edinburgh International Book Festival, Edinburgh Mela, Edinburgh Art Festival and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Collectively, Edinburgh’s Festivals are a world-leading cultural brand and represent 12 festivals throughout the year. They are recognised as signature events in the national events strategy which attract an audience of more than 4.2 million and are worth £261 million to Scotland’s economy (£245 million to the local economy).

Edinburgh’s Festivals peak during August, when more than 25,000 artists, entertainers and thinkers populate the city with over 1,000 shows per day.

Malcolm Roughead OBE, Chief Executive of VisitScotland said: "The Scottish capital comes alive in August which is why, time and time again, visitors flock to the city in their thousands, boosting the local and national economy."

"Tourism is the heartbeat of the Scottish economy, supporting communities and creating jobs, and Edinburgh’s Festivals are a major part of that."

"Edinburgh’s international reputation as a festival city, with a range of dynamic festivals presenting ground breaking programmes continues to inspire visitors from across the UK.  From the Tattoo to the International Festival to Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, there is something to suit to all tastes, all year round."

Interesting fact: Scotland generates over £2.5m per day through food and drink tourism.

To download VisitScotland’s Free Edinburgh Festivals Survival Guide 2015, visit: http://www.visitscotland.com/ebrochures/en/edinburgh-festivals-survival-guide/

Valere Tjolle

@ValereTjolle