Scotland takes leads on Dog tourism

Scotland is emerging as one of the top destinations for UK pet-lovers this autumn and winter, according to new data from the national tourism organisation, VisitScotland.

Recent findings from VisitScotland’s UK Resident Holiday Sentiment Tracker reveal that one in ten visitors planning a Scottish getaway later this year intend to bring their pets along.

For Scotland-based visitors, the trend is even more pronounced, with one in seven planning to include their furry companions on their domestic overnight trips.

The research also indicates that families are more likely to travel with pets and tend to take longer trips, highlighting the growing popularity of pet-friendly tourism in Scotland.

Dog ownership has been steadily rising for over a decade, with an estimated 28% of UK adults now owning a dog.

It is estimated that approximately £350million is spent in Scotland’s visitor economy from overnight visitors that bring their dog.

The recent findings provide a welcome boost to Scotland’s pet-friendly tourism businesses, especially as the traditionally busier summer period winds down.

Earlier this year, the Scotland Visitor Survey 2023 found that last year, 11% of visitors holidayed in the country with a pet, and 89% were repeat visitors.

Domestic tourism remains a vital part of Scotland’s visitor economy, accounting for 106 million visits in 2023 and generating £7 billion in visitor spend.

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