A major new evaluation report has found that the North Coast 500 has boosted the North Highland economy by more than £22million over 12 months.
The study, conducted by the Moffat Centre for Tourism at Glasgow Caledonian University, found that the North Coast 500 generated more than £22.89million in Gross Value Added (GVA) throughout 2018.
The Moffat Centre’s official North Coast 500 evaluation report, which was commissioned by the North Highland Initiative and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, also found that the iconic touring route had created 180 full time equivalent jobs in the North Highlands within the same time period.
The North Coast 500 has been Scotland’s most successful route development since its launch in 2015, generating significant destination awareness and major economic benefits throughout the North Highlands.
Authored by Professor John Lennon, the official North Coast 500 evaluation report also highlights an additional £13.46million in sales for accommodation, attraction, activity and retail businesses on or near the route in 2018, generated by the success of the NC500 brand.
Tourism businesses throughout the North Highlands, including activity providers, tour operators, retailers, car and camper van rental firms and hospitality venues, reported a year-on-year growth of 16% over the four-year period from 2014-2018.
The Moffat Centre’s North Coast 500 evaluation report also found an increase in footfall to the North Highland area had resulted in a significant boost for the visitor attraction sector over the same time period.
A 19.9% increase in visitors to free admission attractions was found, while paid admission attractions benefitted from a 41.7% boost in visitor numbers.
Room occupancy throughout the North Highlands was also found to have increased from 52% in 2014, to 78% in 2018.
Similar growth was evident in average room rates, increasing from £46 (2014) to £82 (2018) as a result of the North Coast 500’s success. The quality of accommodation has also increased significantly, which suggests increased investment in hospitality and accommodation provision over the period 2014-2018. This tangible quality improvement is also reflected in the positive movement in accommodation rates achieved.
Castle Sinclair in Girnigoe can be seen on the North Coast 500 trail (Photo: Merlin Kafk)
David Whiteford, chair of the North Highland Initiative, said: ‘From the very beginning, the North Highland Initiative’s aim in creating the North Coast 500 was to market the North Highland area’s wonderful tourism offerings in a way that would stimulate economic growth.
‘The North Coast 500 is now one of the top reasons for people to travel to Scotland, and with the stunning scenery, unique experiences, exceptional food and drink, the famous Highland hospitality, a wide range of activities and the fascinating history and heritage the North Highlands of Scotland has to offer, this is no surprise.
‘The North Coast 500 has been the subject of a number of studies and surveys over the years, but none as comprehensive as The Moffat Centre’s official North Coast 500 evaluation report. The findings within this report are so encouraging to see, with businesses throughout the North Highlands succeeding, developing and growing with the NC500 brand.’
Tom Campbell, managing director at the North Coast 500, said: ‘This report is another important milestone for the NC500 and we are delighted to see the tangible evidence of the positive impact on the North Highland economy. This has been transformational and has created jobs, new investment and opportunities for Highland communities.’
Scott Morrison, managing director at Dunrobin Castle, said: ‘Since the launch of the NC500 route, Dunrobin Castle has seen an increase in visitor numbers which we could never have imagined. This has allowed us to create another 15 seasonal jobs and extend our opening times and open season. In the last two years we have invested heavily in our own infrastructure just to be able to cope with the visitors now coming to the area.’
Over the past four years, the North Coast 500 has been hailed as the number one road trip in the world, and one of the top reasons for people to travel to Scotland. The route has been credited with boosting business by 20-25% each year, extending the season to 10 months, and increasing visitor spend by an additional £10million in 2016-2017 alone.
For more information about the North Coast 500, visit www.northcoast500.com
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