THE number of tourists visiting and spending money in Scotland has risen in the past six months, figures show.

From January to June, visits to Scotland from British and international tourists rose 1.6%on the same period in 2012.

It brings the total number of tourists during this time to more than 6.5 million, according to the Office For National Statistics,

Tourists' spending also increased 1.7%, bringing the expenditure in the sector in Scotland to £1.8 billion.

Mike Cantlay, chairman of tourism agency VisitScotland, said the figures showed tourism in Scotland was going from strength to strength, despite it being a "tough period" for many operators.

Mr Cantlay said: "We must keep up the momentum achieved in 2013, building on these strong visitor numbers, increasing expenditure and ensuring we remain resilient in an uncertain global economic climate."

Three major events are expected to boost numbers next year, with Scotland hosting the Commonwealth Games, the Homecoming celebrations and golf's Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.

The number of people from elsewhere in Britain visiting Scotland increased 2.1% on the same period in 2012, although their spending decreased 1.6%.

However, while figures for visitors from overseas were down 1.3% , their spending increased 8.6%.

The half-year figures also show 'staycations' remain popular, with domestic holidays in Scotland up 2% on last year.

Liz Cameron, chief executive of the Scottish Chambers Of Commerce, said the figures reinforced its data, which pointed to "signs of fragile recovery in the tourism sector" in the first half of the year.

Scottish Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing said the growth had shown a resurgence in the domestic and international markets, including an increase in numbers from countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Brazil.

He also said new air routes and the re-introduction of direct air links from Canada would encourage more visitors, as would new routes into Scotland from Heathrow.

He said: "Despite this resurgence last year was a challenging time for the tourism economy, and this is still impacting on visitor figures and spend.

"We will continue to work with VisitScotland and our enterprise agencies to build on this growth."