The Enchanted Forest delivers £7.6million shot in the arm to Perthshire economy
The Enchanted Forest, Perthshire’s multi award-winning sound and light show, has confirmed today that an independent report demonstrates that the event delivers a £7.66million shot in the arm to Perthshire’s economy.
An independent report conducted by Tourism Resources Company in Glasgow, specialist economic impact consultants, was commissioned in 2018 by The Enchanted Forest Community Trust which operates the event.
The report looks at visitor behaviour and spend activity, as well as the event’s own purchasing power. It concluded that with over 80,000 visitors attending the Autumn spectacle, 52% of whom stay overnight, and a policy to use local suppliers where possible, The Enchanted Forest boosts the local economy by an incredible £7.66 million every year.
The news has been welcomed by the organisers. Ian Sim, Trustee of The Enchanted Forest commented:
“This has surpassed even our wildest expectations of what the event brings to Highland Perthshire. We had older economic impact studies which were carried out when the event was much smaller as a baseline and, of course, we have always had anecdotal evidence that hotels, B&Bs, restaurants and cafes are busy – but we are simply amazed to learn just how much value the event brings to the local area.”
“This is really pleasing. The Enchanted Forest was originally set up to help build value for tourism businesses, providing visitor footfall during what was known as the “shoulder season” in Highland Perthshire. It used to be very quiet in Pitlochry in October – now we hear from local hotel operators that it’s their busiest month of the year.”
Just over 80,000 visitors attended the 2018 sold-out show, a 9% increase on the previous record-breaking year. International visitor numbers have jumped from around 0.97% of audience share in 2014 to 2.97% of audience share in 2018, and with more than 85% citing the event as a reason for travelling to Scotland, from a selection of 28 different countries.
The report suggests that the most popular hotels for visitors are the Fisher’s Hotel, Scotland’s Hotel and the Atholl Palace, while those eating locally are favouring Mackay’s Pub, Victoria’s and The Old Mill Inn. Not surprisingly for a family event, the most popular retailers were sweetie shops!
The growth in the profile of the event has netted it a finalist’s place in the national final of the Visit Scotland Thistle Awards for Best Cultural Event or Festival. The winners will be announced this Thursday night at a glittering black-tie ceremony in Edinburgh’s International Conference Centre.
The Enchanted Forest returns in October 2019 and tickets will go on sale to the public in June. For more information on the event, visit www.enchantedforest.org.uk
