The result of next month's independence referendum won't affect most tourists when considering whether to visit Scotland, according to a survey.
But travellers from England are more likely to stay away from an independent Scotland than tourists from other nations.
The tourism market research company LJ Research questioned almost 700 people who had holidayed in the UK recently - most of whom were international visitors - about whether or not they would be more or less likely to come to an independent Scotland.
A total of 84 per cent said the referendum decision would not affect them, with 11 per cent stating they would be less likely to revisit the country if it left the UK and five per cent saying independence would make them more inclined to holiday in Scotland.
But while 8.3 per cent of overseas visitors said they would be less inclined to visit an independent Scotland, 17.1 per cent of English people felt this way.
Sean Morgan, managing director of LJ Research, said: "These findings suggest that Scottish tourism businesses don't have to worry too much about the outcome of the referendum.
"That said, tourism businesses that have high exposure to English markets should tailor their marketing messages and operational services to ensure that those from south of the border are made to feel unequivocally welcome."
He added that some respondents were "very concerned about border controls, visa requirements and currency exchange rates that may come with Scotland splitting up from the UK".
As a result, Mr Morgan said: "It is likely that Scotland's tourism industry will suffer if it cannot continue using Sterling as this factor will likely act as a barrier among inbound visitors' decision."
A Scottish government spokeswoman said: "Scotland's people are known around the world as being friendly and welcoming to all, as demonstrated so recently during the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games - and that will continue to be the case whatever the country's constitutional future.
"A vote for an independent Scotland will put Scotland in the global spotlight like never before, and offer a huge opportunity to grow our tourism industry and income - and as this survey shows, residents of Scotland are 'optimistic about the potential impact of independence on tourism'.
"With independence we will be able to attract more international flights to and from Scotland by cutting Air Passenger Duty. An independent Scotland will also have powers to consider cutting VAT for tourism like other EU states have done - with 24 of the 28 offering a reduced VAT rate to their tourism sectors."
Share
