RECORD breaking attendances at this year’s Stranraer Oyster Festival generated an additional £2.3 million for the local economy, according to a new study.
The three-day festival in September attracted more than 21,000 people and was the subject of an independent economic impact report carried out by MKA Economics.
It also noted that this level of visitor spend should help to safeguard 32 tourism related jobs locally.
It also found that 90 per cent of visitors were in the area as a direct result of the festival and there was an increase in the numbers of first time visitors.
Commenting on the findings, Mark Kummerer, of MKA Economics, said: “It is clear from the economic impact assessment and visitor and trader feedback that Stranraer Oyster Festival took a leap forward in 2023 in both economic impact measures, and in visitor enjoyment. Stranraer Oyster Festival is now a major focal point in South West Scotland’s events calendar that in-bound visitors plan trips around, demonstrating strong and growing appeal for visitors. Economic impact of £2.3 million for a three day event is highly significant, and visitor feedback suggests there is clearly considerable room for further growth and development.”
Chair of Stranraer Development Trust Romano Petrucci added: “These are incredible figures for a three day festival, but they probably come as no surprise to anyone who attended the phenomenally busy festival this year.
“Stranraer has come a long way in the last few years and all of us at Stranraer Development Trust care very deeply about this town. The oyster festival is an important part of our town’s journey to economic transformation and I am so grateful to everyone who has supported this event.”
