The tourism industry in Scotland has been boosted by "staycations".

International and British overnight visits to Scotland increased by 9% between 2010 and last year. Spending grew at the same time by 14%, new figures revealed.

Both increases are largely because of overnight stays by people from across the UK.

The figures come a day after a Scottish Chambers of Commerce survey said takings in the tourist industry are on the up and expectations are at their highest level for four years.

British visits increased by 10% while spending grew by 20%, a survey by UK tourist boards suggests.

Separate official figures for overseas visits show a 1% drop over the year but a 2% increase in spending. The drop in visitors was offset by a 15% increase from North America.

The Scottish Government said overall spending was worth more than £4.5 billion last year.

Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing said the figures show resilience in the industry.

He added: "The 9% increase in visitors to Scotland shows growth in one of our key sectors and is good news for Scotland's wider economy, especially in the current global economic climate.

"These figures are a reflection of the hard work being done by Scotland's tourism industry and of the innovative marketing campaigns VisitScotland has created."

Malcolm Roughead, chief executive of VisitScotland, said: "For every £1 we invest more than £20 comes back into the Scottish economy. No other industry delivers such a return in such a short time-frame."