Accommodation types visitors use in Scotland

1. Scotland Visitor Survey 2023

In 2023, we commissioned the Scotland Visitor Survey to gather insight on visitor attitudes and behaviours. The scope of the survey was leisure overnight visitors only. Information on the background, methodology, and key highlights are available on our main visitor survey page.

Browse the Scotland Visitor Survey 2023.

General insights on accommodation

• Many of Scotland's visitors will use different types of accommodation as part of a touring trip in Scotland.

Serviced accommodation

• 57% of visitors stayed in at least one type of serviced accommodation during their visit (net figure). This category includes hotel, motel or inn, guesthouse or B&B, restaurant with rooms and serviced apartment.
• Serviced accommodation was particularly popular with longhaul and European visitors.

Non-serviced accommodation

• 61% of visitors stayed in at least one type of non serviced accommodation during their visit. 
• UK visitors are more likely to stay in non-serviced accommodation compared to overseas visitors. This includes rented houses, cottages or lodges, and friend’s or relative’s homes.

Booking accommodation

• Booking directly with the accommodation provider is the most popular method used by UK visitors, while European and long-haul visitors tend to favour the use of intermediaries.
• Long-haul visitors rely the most on the use of intermediaries, likely favouring this booking method due to distance and unfamiliarity with Scottish providers.
• Repeat visitors from the UK and Europe are more likely to book directly with the accommodation provider rather than use an intermediary.

Satisfaction

• Visitors who stayed in paid accommodation were generally satisfied with all aspects, but scored cleanliness, the welcome they received, and the service provided by staff particularly highly.