Tourism Business Growth Programme

Applications are invited to join the eighth Tourism Business Growth Programme. Developed and offered in partnership by VisitAberdeenshire and Opportunity North East, the programme can help you to identify your target markets, define consumer and market demands and refine your offering to provide the experiences and services that visitors are looking for. The programme is intense, challenging and fun and requires a commitment of your time for the whole programme.

You will leave the programme with a growth plan for your business and a range of business tools and techniques to manage your business.

Eligibility criteria:

Applicants must be from a tourism business operating in Aberdeen or Aberdeenshire.

Applicants must be located in Aberdeen or Aberdeenshire or be willing to travel to Aberdeen or Aberdeenshire for the workshops.

Applicants must be either the owner or a senior manager with the authority to implement change.

Applicants must be available for the workshop dates below and participate in the one to one coaching sessions.

Number of Places: 12 (maximum of 1 person per business)

Duration: Mid January – March 2026

Format: 7 full day workshops including a mix of pre-reading, case studies, interactive projects and collaborative work.

Workshop Dates:

Workshop 1 & 2 - Tuesday 13 & Wednesday 14 January

Workshop 3 & 4 - Tuesday 27 & Wednesday 28 January

One to one coaching - 1 hour online one to one session to be organised at participants convenience between Monday 9 - Thursday 12 February

Workshop 5 & 6 - Tuesday 17 & Wednesday 18 February

Workshop 7 - Wednesday 5 March

Plus, 2 x follow on 1 hour one to one sessions to be arranged at participants convenience on 24 March and 7 April.

In addition to this, there will also be a learning journey day to meet and learn from previous participants on Wednesday 4 February.

Cost: The primary investment required is your time and commitment for the duration of the programme. Otherwise, the programme is offered free of charge to successful applicants from the private sector. 

How to apply: To apply, click the tile below or view the brochure for more details. Applications close 5pm on Thursday 20 November.

Queries: Please contact Kayleigh McLeish on kayleigh.mcleish@visitabdn.com

Tourism Business Growth Programme