VisitAberdeenshire's Sustainability Objectives

The Destination Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire: A Framework for Growth 2022-2030 states that actions should be informed by and contribute towards net zero ambitions.

Within the sector, there are demand-side opportunities as sustainable travel becomes more of a priority among visitors and their agencies, and supply-side opportunities to support local businesses to improve their sustainable credentials and to meet demand [1,2].

VisitAberdeenshire can play an effective role in addressing opportunities and challenges. To strengthen both what we do and what we say, we have developed seven sustainability objectives aligned with the UN Sustainable development goals to guide our work.

In house, VisitAberdeenshire will:

Aim to reduce the carbon footprint impact of our business and strive for more efficient, greener and sustainable ways of working. For example, the VisitAberdeenshire office is based within P&J Live, the most sustainable venue of its type in the United Kingdom. (SDG 12)

Support employee health and wellbeing and aim to educate, improve and increase sustainability knowledge and awareness. (SDG 8)

Buy local where local delivers best value for money, and procure goods and services as sustainably as possible. (SDG 12)

Support our community and engage with our local schools wherever possible to encourage sustainable growth within the next generation of the tourism and hospitality workforce. (SDG 4)

Externally, VisitAberdeenshire will:

Promote sustainability within the tourism and hospitality sector, encourage collaboration, inspire innovation and continuous improvement. (SDG 13)
Always look to promote sustainable experiences and travel to positively influence the actions of our visitors. (SDG 12)

Work with our stakeholders, suppliers and the wider tourism sector to make sustainable business simple. (SDG 17)

[1] In 2024, 75% of global travellers said they want to travel more sustainably over the next 12 months, and 57% say they plan to reduce their energy consumption on any upcoming trips (Booking.com sustainable travel report 2024).

[2] 50% of travellers in 2023 said that recent news about climate change has influenced them to make more sustainable travel choices (Xavier Font, ETAG presentation 2023).

VisitAberdeenshire's Sustainability Objectives