Tourism’s economic impact in Renfrewshire has risen by 24 per cent since 2023, reaching an estimated £307.6 million.
The figures appeared in an update on the council’s Tourism Plan presented to the Leadership Board on Wednesday, 16 September.
The Renfrewshire Tourism Network now includes around 200 contacts, with more than 300 recorded business support interventions, referrals, introductions and networking opportunities.
The council’s £113 million cultural infrastructure programme includes the completed Paisley Town Hall and Paisley Arts Centre projects, plus the Paisley Museum refurbishment, which is nearing completion.
Work is also continuing on tourism projects outside Paisley. Castle Semple Visitor Centre and dark-sky activities were listed among rural developments, alongside external repairs completed at Steeple Hall in Kilbarchan in February 2026, with an interior phase expected to begin in early 2027. At Cornerstones in Lochwinnoch, funding has been secured from Historic Environment Scotland and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The Johnstone Heritage Trail is expected to be delivered in autumn 2026 as part of the Johnstone Town Centre Vision. The council also held around 250 meetings with tour operators and travel trade buyers at VisitScotland Connect 2026.
A two-year Discover Renfrewshire campaign is due to begin in mid-September, with a review of the Tourism Plan expected later in 2026.