According to figures from the Scottish Tourism Economic Activity Monitor (STEAM), this represents a nine per cent increase from the previous year.
The report, produced annually for East Lothian Council by Global Tourism Solutions (UK) Ltd, noted 1.56 million visitors to the county last year.
This is a 9.5 per cent increase from 2023 and 14 per cent higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Overnight stays saw a significant rise, with visitor numbers increasing by 20.3 per cent.
These overnight tourists contributed more than two million stays, adding £311 million to the local economy.
Day visitors also played a crucial role, accounting for 63 per cent of all visits and generating £68 million.
The money spent by tourists supported more than 4,600 full-time equivalent jobs in the region, mainly in the accommodation, food and drink, and transport sectors.
Councillor John McMillan, East Lothian Council’s spokesperson for environment, economic development and tourism, said: “These results reflect the ongoing strength of East Lothian as a visitor destination and are testament to the success of the excellent work being done by our destination management and marketing organisation Visit East Lothian and businesses operators in the sector.
“Our continuously evolving and improving tourism sector is a real draw and this is particularly evident with the significant growth in overnight stays.
“East Lothian has long been a draw for visitors and day-trippers due to the appeal of our coast, countryside and communities, and we have major events on the calendar too like the Genesis Scottish Open and Fringe by the Sea.
“These figures clearly show the vital role tourism plays in supporting local jobs and businesses.”