Tourism boost: Timely tonic

SCOTTISH tourism is now the "bedrock" of the economy in the wake of the economic downturn.

VisitScotland chairman Mike Cantlay insists that tourism is now the nation's most important industry because it is worth more than 11 billion a year and is on the rise as other sectors struggle to emerge from the recession.

Speaking before the Scottish Thistle Awards, he told The Scotsman: "I firmly believe that tourism is the best possible tonic for the recession. It's our biggest industry and it is obvious it can help Scotland's recovery.

"I don't think people appreciate its contribution to the economy as much as others like manufacturing or financial services."

Official figures evaluating tourism's contribution to the economy say it is worth 4 billion, while "day visits", which have not previously been counted, are worth a further 7 billion.