Tourism Economy Spotlight – October 2024

Here’s a roundup of the latest highlights shaping Edinburgh’s tourism scene:

• New Food and Beverage Businesses: Our research indicates that Edinburgh welcomed at least 11 new food and beverage businesses last month, adding to the city’s vibrant culinary landscape.
• Johnnie Walker Milestone: Johnnie Walker Princes Street, Diageo’s immersive whisky experience, has welcomed over one million visitors from 141 countries since opening in 2021, solidifying its appeal as a major visitor attraction within Edinburgh.
• Arthur’s Seat Recognition: Edinburgh’s iconic Arthur’s Seat ranked 15th in Time Out’s “Natural Wonders and Attractions in the UK Right Now” list. The magazine praised the “spectacular views” from its summit, calling it a must-see for any visit to Edinburgh.
• New Hotel Plans: Numa, a popular hotel brand, has submitted plans to transform the former Topshop store on Princes Street into a 14-bedroom boutique hotel. This development reflects Edinburgh’s continued expansion as a premier destination for unique accommodations.
• Bonnie & Wild Honoured: Bonnie & Wild has been awarded the Best for Scottish (Independent) Business title at the Scotland Food and Drink Awards. This accolade recognises their outstanding support for local Scottish food and drink producers, reinforcing Edinburgh’s culinary reputation.