Backpackers have high expectations of Scotland's natural beauty

The Scottish Centre of Tourism (SCoT) said backpacking was a largely neglected area, but could help promote an upturn in visitor numbers.

A study by the centre, based at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, found that 95% of backpackers on holiday in Scotland questioned said they would return.

But a number were put off by high travel costs.

Positive impression

Dr Maree Thyne, from SCoT, claimed that the study, which gathered information from backpackers staying in Scottish youth hostels, was prompted by the lack of research and official statistics on the subject in Scotland.

The survey revealed that nearly 40% of backpackers stayed less than a week.

It said that expectations were high of Scotland's natural beauty and cultural heritage.

However, only 14% expected quality in food, service and shopping.

Dr Thyne said: "Impressions on service and standard at bars and restaurants did not match the more positive impression associated with accommodation standard and quality of service."

Backpacker tourism, a largely neglected sector, could help promote an upturn in the industry. Dr Maree Thyne

The survey found that 30% of the total number of backpackers in Scotland were British, 26% were from mainland Europe and 14% were American and Canadian.

The research also found that women constituted 54% and more than 40% were 20-29 years old, while more than half earned less than �20,000 per year.

Dr Thyne added: "An overwhelming 95% indicated they would make a return visit to Scotland as most felt their current visit did not allow them enough time to see other parts of the country.

"Others emphasised that they were encouraged to come back after experiencing Scotland's natural beauty, cultural heritage and the friendliness of its people.

Expensive destination

"The research found that the main reason for not planning to return was the high cost of travelling in Scotland due mostly to an unfavourable exchange rate.

"However respondents felt positively about overall value for money, indicating perhaps that other aspects of their visit had compensated for the fact that Scotland was perceived as an expensive destination."

Dr Tyne said: "While Scotland's tourism industry lags behind, and our national economy is in need of rejuvenation the research suggests that backpacker tourism, a largely neglected sector, could help promote an upturn in the industry.