Scotland’s leading tourism body has said it has “concerns” the high price of petrol in the UK may deter tourists from visiting the UK this year.
British drivers pay more than double for their petrol than motorists in the US and, according to figures from the AA, the average cost of a litre of unleaded in the UK is now 128.3p the fifth most expensive rate in Europe.
A spokesman for VisitScotland said they would continue to promote Scotland, but admitted soaring fuel prices could affect the tourism market.
Scotland’s tourism industry is worth £4.2 billion a year, but some visitors particularly those who intend to hire a car may be put off by rising costs.
“Tourism is Scotland’s most important industry and anything that increases the cost for overseas visitors coming to this country is clearly a concern,” said a VisitScotland spokesman.
“However, VisitScotland remains focused on highlighting all the fantastic things to see and do in the Dundee and Angus area.
Value for money”We highlight excellent value-for-money offers to price-sensitive markets, and always aim to encourage people to continue with their trip.”
Norway has the most expensive petrol in Europe. A litre of fuel there costs 146.31p, only marginally more expensive than in the Netherlands, where unleaded costs 139.16p.
Denmark and Greece have the next highest prices at 134.04p per litre and 133.46p per litre respectively.
However, compared to fuel prices elsewhere in Europe and in the US, British motorists are being asked to pay well over the odds.
In the United States a litre of unleaded works out at 51.26p, less than half the UK price.
Petrol is also more expensive in the UK than it is in either France or Germany, where unleaded costs 128.12p per litre and 125.33p per litre respectively.
Fuel prices are even cheaper in other parts of the continent. In Spain, which is also part of the Eurozone like France and Germany, a litre of unleaded works out at the equivalent of just 103.89p per litre.If you want to support the Courier’s call for a fuel duty regulator, click here to add your name to our petition.