BACKPACKERS IN SCOTLAND
While Scotland’s tourism industry lags behind, and our national economy is in need
of rejuvenation, research carried out by the Robert Gordon University suggests that
backpacker tourism, a largely neglected sector, could help promote an upturn in the
industry.
Carried out by the Scottish Centre of Tourism (SCoT) at RGU, with the support of the
Scottish Youth Hostel Association (SYHA), the research investigated the huge
potential from backpacker tourism since little is known about its size and commercial
value at present.
Prompted by the lack of research and official statistics, especially in Scotland, the
research was carried out through focus groups and questionnaires issued nationally.
It aimed to gather information on backpackers staying in Scottish Youth Hostels to
gain a better understanding of their motivations, their behaviour and travel
experience, their requirements and their overall level of satisfaction with their visit.
The research discovered that women constitute 54%, and over 40% are aged
between 20 and 29, while over half earn less than £20,000 per year making price
consideration extremely important.
The survey revealed that nearly 40% of backpackers stay less than a week and while
expectations were high of Scotland’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, only 14%
expected quality in food, service and shopping. Impressions on service and standard
at bars and restaurants did not match the more positive impression associated with
accommodation standard and quality of service.
continues..........
The survey also discovered that the British constitute the majority of backpackers in
Scotland (30%). Visitors from the rest of Europe constitute 26%, American and
Canadian backpackers making up only 14%.
The research mirrors similar surveys in Australia and New Zealand in areas such as
age bracket and low spending patterns. However visitors to Scotland generally have
a much shorter length of stay. This may be partly due to the fact that Scotland may
only be a part of a wider trip across Europe or the UK.
An overwhelming 95% indicated they would make a return visit to Scotland as most
felt their current visit did not allow them enough time to see other parts of the country.
Others emphasised that they were encouraged to come back after experiencing
Scotland’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and the friendliness of its people.
The research found that the main reason for not planning to return was the high cost
of travelling in Scotland due mostly to an unfavourable exchange rate. Making
travelling in Scotland more affordable was the most frequently mentioned
improvement to future visits, as well as more cost effective, easier access to the
Internet. However respondents felt positively about ‘overall value for money’,
indicating perhaps that other aspects of their visit had compensated for the fact that
Scotland was perceived as an expensive destination.
ENDS
25th July 2003
For further information contact Maree Thyne from SCoT, on 01224 263037 or
m.thyne@rgu.ac.uk
For further information contact Press Office on. Tel: 01224 262210. Mobile 07970
622229. E-mail: g.haddock@rgu.ac.uk