Financial Status
- 63% aim to maintain current profit levels despite economic pressures.
- 23% are focused on investment and expansion.
- Profitability has dropped by 10% compared to 2023.
Visitor Numbers & Performance
- Domestic visitor numbers declined by 20%, contributing to an overall 4% drop in total visitors.
- Turnover increased by 9%, but this was offset by a 1% decline in visitor spend, impacting profitability.
Rising Costs
- Energy and supplier costs surged (hitting self-catering even more than the tourism and hospitality sector overall), with 86% (energy costs) and 87% (supplier costs) of businesses reporting increases over 2023.
- Administration and taxation costs also rose, adding further financial strain.
Key Challenges
- Regulatory and tax pressures, particularly the Short-Term Letting (STL) licensing scheme, are significant concerns.
- Perceived higher costs for domestic holidays vs. overseas options are affecting demand.
- Rising operational costs and economic uncertainty are key barriers to growth.
Future Aspirations
- Many businesses are prioritising stability over growth due to financial and regulatory pressures.
Net Zero Progress
- Only 11% of self-catering businesses report significant progress towards net zero goals, highlighting a gap compared to other sectors.
This survey underscores the need for continued support for the self-catering industry to address rising costs, regulatory challenges, and sustainability goals. Together, we can work towards a stronger future for Scotland’s tourism.
