Liz McAreavey
The 70th Anniversary of the Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe was a huge success for the city. 2017 saw record numbers of visitors, full occupancy for hotels and a great boost for the economy. Over 30,000 people are employed in the Tourism sector – as much as in Financial Services – and £1.4 billion in revenue flows into the City each year. And it’s not just Edinburgh that benefits.
The Capital City is the gateway to the rest of Scotland, delivering 25% of Scotland’s tourism economic impact. The Global profile and presence the Festivals provide for the City also ensures that visitor numbers are high throughout the year, with twelve Festivals hosted in Edinburgh, there’s plenty on offer to attract interest from every corner of the world and to cater for every taste. And no sooner has the city returned to normal after the summer festivals, that work begins for the Christmas and Hogmanay celebrations.
Yet with all this positivity, there’s been increasing debate about ‘over-tourism’ in many of the popular cities of the world, and the spotlight is now on Edinburgh.
Edinburgh is an international city that reaches out and welcomes the rest of the world. We benefit from this as a nation, attracting sporting events, international students and inward investment on the back of this welcoming and cosmopolitan reputation. Our world class universities are delivering leading innovation and attracting talent but there is naturally a symbiotic relationship with the City as a vibrant, ‘quality of life’ place to live and work.
As a result of the interest and demand we have a growing airport delivering many new direct flights – not only good for tourism but also business, as there is a significant increase in trade between countries with direct flight routes.
If we want to manage the increasing number of visitors to our city and ultimately into the rest of Scotland we need to ensure we invest in the infrastructure to deal with this. That we have an efficient and integrated transport system, that we invest in training and skills and we have an efficient planning regime that ensures the City develops at a pace and style that reflects that of a successful, growing, modern city that also protects its heritage and culture.
Post-war Edinburgh took the initiative to invite the rest of the world to unite through art and culture and develop deep friendships and connections. This has led to 70 years of collaboration, innovation and economic prosperity for the city. We must protect this at all costs and ensure we have the infrastructure and investment in place to ensure future generations enjoy the value and enrichment that comes from our diversity, hospitality and heritage.
Liz McAreavey is chief executive of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce.
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