A number of high profile investments as well as successful events have been amongst the tourism highlights in Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire this year.
The region has seen a bumper year, with an increase in visitors and a host of returning and new events – all whilst celebrating Scotland’s Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design.
Visitor figures through iCentres across Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire are up by more than 3% on last year, with Aberdeen iCentre footfall increasing by 1.25% between June and October compared to the same period in 2015 and Braemar iCentre figures increasing by 10% on last year.
Jo Robinson, VisitScotland regional director for Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire, said:
“There is a phenomenal amount of investment going on in the Granite City right now, including the harbour expansion at Nigg, Aberdeen Art Gallery redevelopment, the new Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC), Aberdeen International Airport expansion and the Marischal Square development. The Aberdeen Peripheral Route is starting to take shape and our new Destination Marketing Organisation is the second-highest funded in Scotland.
“The recent news of the inaugural Great Aberdeen Run has also been warmly welcomed in the city, with the increased visitors this will inevitably bring – all of whom will be supporting the local visitor economy by staying locally, eating and shopping in the city and shire.
“These developments will mean new businesses, new access routes and dozens of new reasons to visit Aberdeen, as well as being a commitment to the future success of the city. I have been following these projects with interest over the summer and look forward to working in partnership with others to maximise their collective impact for the city over the coming months and years.”
This season has seen a number of businesses in Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire joining VisitScotland’s Quality Assurance scheme (QA), achieving their QA award for the first time or moving up the grading scheme, including Callater Lodge, Raemoir House Hotel and Potarch Lodge – all in Royal Deeside.
Jo said:
“It is wonderful to see these establishments obtaining their ‘stars’. There is a high awareness and trust amongst visitors of the VisitScotland QA scheme and it plays a key role in holiday decision-making both before and during a trip. These are a real boost for the area and help to raise the standards, inspiring other businesses to aim for this goal.
“Another notable QA award was also recently presented to Peterhead Prison Museum following its first grading visit after opening in June. It’s been the attraction everyone’s been talking about this summer with over 45,000 visitors to date - if you haven’t yet made it along, I recommend you pay it a visit!
“The team behind the prison’s transition into a visitor attraction has managed to sensitively portray over 200 years of history, telling the stories of the prison guards who worked with some of the country’s most dangerous and feared criminals. This project also fits perfectly into 2017 – Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.
“I am delighted that their visitor numbers reflect the hard work of the museum staff, and look forward to seeing this attraction continue to develop the outstanding experience offered to visitors. I have visited several times and each time I have taken away something different - it’s an experience that stays with you a long time after visiting.”
A number of established events took place throughout the summer months, including the Turriff Show, Scottish Traditional Boat Festival at Portsoy and Quliter Cheviot Etape Royale. More than £155,250 was invested by VisitScotland in events in Aberdeen City and Shire in 2015/16.
Jo said:
“I took the whole family with me to experience our first Turriff Show at the end of July – it didn’t disappoint. The performances of all those taking part in the show were superb, and there was a real buzz about the place with a wide variety of stalls, attractions and local food and drink.
“I also said at the start of the season that I hoped to get out on my mountain bike, and while summer may have made a late appearance this year, I was out enjoying the outdoors whenever I could! I cycled almost the full length of the Deeside line in different stages, although sadly I am not quite yet of the calibre we saw at the Quilter Cheviot Etape Royale in September.
“The Portsoy Boat Festival enjoyed another hugely successful year and next year guests will be able to enjoy the town’s newest accommodation offering – The Sail Loft Bunkhouse. I have heard that the mattresses there are the very same as those enjoyed by distinguished guests at Gleneagles!”
Jo added:
“Earlier this season, we launched the VIP (VisitScotland Information Partner) programme which allows the national tourism organisation to work in partnership with businesses to recognise the work they are already doing in enhancing the visitor experience and bringing the Spirit of Scotland to life, including the provision of visitor information.
“I am delighted to say that in Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire, almost 50 businesses have already signed up to the scheme, including visitor attractions, hotels and caravan parks, everywhere from Aberdeen to Banchory and Alford to Fraserburgh.
“Next year also looks set to be a great year, with some fantastic projects on the horizon. With our world-renowned history and knowledgeable and passionate tourism industry, Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire is poised to take great advantage of Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.
“With accommodation availability and pricing never having been more attractive, and new flight routes from North America, our Travel Trade and Marketing teams are working hard to promote the region to European and American markets.
“Our region has long prided itself on innovation, exploration and collaboration and with the oil industry experiencing a period of decline, these values continue to ring true for tourism.
“Now is the time to harness our #ScotSpirit and make 2017 – Scotland’s Year of History Heritage & Archaeology – our most successful yet. My colleagues and I look forward to helping deliver this for the region.