Rise in Stirling visitor numbers

New data shows a rise in the number of people visiting Stirling.

More than 4.6 million people visited the city last year.

That's a 10% rise from the year before.

Stirling marked its 900th anniversary in 2024 - with highlights including gigs by Sir Tom Jones and Shania Twain.

Figures show tourism is worth more than £710 million to the local economy.

Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Gerry McGarvey said: “These figures show Stirling’s tourism sector is achieving record results and is staging a remarkable recovery from the pandemic.

“This is providing a significant economic boost to the region and supporting thousands of jobs in sectors such as accommodation, food and drink, retail and recreation.

“This success is due to the hard work, innovation and collaboration across Stirling’s tourism sector, from our incredible businesses to the efforts of local and regional partnerships.

“While these numbers are hugely encouraging, it only reaffirms our determination to support further growth in this key part of our economy to maximise the benefits for everyone in Stirling.”

“We’ve got a world-class tourism offering across Stirling, with incredible attractions, history, culture, spectacular scenery and a vibrant city centre with a wide range of cafes, restaurants, bars, shops and venues.

“Stirling sits at the heart of Scotland and boasts excellent transport links. We also boast some of Scotland’s most beautiful and diverse rural communities which have more unique attractions to explore and enjoy.

“That’s why people from across the world are coming here in record numbers and why we’re earning wider recognition from independent experts."