Dundee Tourism Impact

New figures show that tourism generated £336 million for the Dundee economy last year. 

Latest statistics from the Scottish Tourism Economic Activity Monitor (STEAM) reveal that 3,601 FTE jobs were supported by tourism in 2025, a slight growth from the previous year. 

Dundee welcomed more than1.3 million visitors last year, a small drop of 3% from 2024, but up 12% since 2019. 

The figures come as the Dundee Tourism Leadership Group, through the Dundee Partnership, continues to co-ordinate delivery of the five-year strategy with the ambition to make Dundee Europe's best emerging city break destination by 2030. 

New developments continue to move forwards in Dundee, including the move of Dundee Museum of Transport to its new base at the transformed Maryfield Tram Depot. Dundee has also been recognised as the 'best city in the UK for a spring day out’ by LNER, alongside national plaudits for V&A Dundee and Broughty Ferry Beach. 

Additional multi-million pound investment has also been allocated from the Tay Cities Deal to Discovery Point to take forward a transformation project at the longstanding attraction. 

Meanwhile, the city is working to attract conferences to city venues including the new Livehouse. This spring, the European Cetacean Society conference generated more than £1.6 million in direct economic benefit for Dundee and the wider region as nearly 800 marine science experts travelled to the city for the five-day event.  

Dundee City Council convener of City Growth and Infrastructure Councillor Steven Rome said: "These figures show why we cannot be complacent, and we must all work hard to keep the momentum up.  

“Partners in Dundee are making efforts to build on the many qualities that already make Dundee a great place to visit and stay. I know that there are determined efforts being made through marketing campaigns to inspire potential visitors across the country.                                     

“Nobody is in any doubt that there are a number of challenges facing Dundee’s visitor economy, but the Tourism Leadership Group is showing how our local strength in partnership can help the city move forward.” 

Caroline Warburton, Chair of the Tourism Leadership Group and Destination Development Director at VisitScotland, said: “Tourism and events have become an essential part of Dundee’s economy, providing jobs, supporting businesses across the supply chain, and, of course, welcoming visitors to the city.   

“Tourism and events also reflect and support the vitality of a place and the communities that live there. As a result, we continue to see investment and innovation in the sector coming into the city.   

“It is evident to the Tourism Leadership Group that it is a challenging time for tourism businesses, with rising costs and the cost of living affecting revenue and spend. However, this is why we need to continue to work closely across the partnership to maximise opportunities to grow Dundee as a sustainable and world class visitor destination."