VisitAberdeenshire News - May 2025

In this, our latest newsletter, we report on Stephen Gow’s appointment as chair of the VisitAberdeenshire Board. Along with the directors, executive, and tourism businesses across the North-east, I look forward to working with Stephen in the years ahead.

I would also like to express my personal thanks to Claire Bruce for her many years of service and commitment to tourism in our corner of Scotland.  Claire’s leadership has built confidence in the sector during, and after the challenging years of the pandemic, and leaves us on a high note with year-on-year growth for the sector. I wish Claire the very best for her future endeavours. I’m sure that she will not be far away.

Chris

VisitAberdeenshire welcome new Chair

The team at VisitAberdeenshire are delighted to welcome on board our new Chair, Stephen Gow. Stephen has taken over from outgoing Chair, Claire Bruce, following seven years in the role.

The General Manager of The Chester Hotel, has 40 years’ experience in hotel management, is a Fellow or the Institute of Hospitality and was previously a founding director of one of VisitAberdeenshire’s forerunners, VisitAberdeen.

Mr Gow is also the chair of The Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards, Vice Chair of Aberdeen City and Shire Hotels Association, and chairman of Hospitality Apprenticeship North East.

To find out more about the appointment, click here.

We take this opportunity to thank Claire for her leadership, friendship and counsel over the past seven years and look forward to the opportunities and guidance from Mr Gow ahead.

There’s still time to enter the Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards – deadline extended

The Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards celebrate the best of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, with winners going on to complete in the national Scottish Thistle Awards Final. Regional categories range from best bar or pub to best community tourism and events initiative, to climate action, to inclusion, to employer of the year. The deadline has been extended, meaning there is still time to submit your entry. Entries close 12 May.

Click here to find out more. Judges have provided some top tips on how to make the most of your entry, which you can find here.

Aberdeenshire ranks top of TimeOut’s international picks for sustainability

Last month saw Aberdeenshire take the top spot in travel journalist, Karen Edwards’ article “The world’s best sustainable travel destinations” in the TimeOut magazine.

Topping destinations across the world including Italy, Ecuador, Australia, and Slovenia, Aberdeenshire comes out on top, with thanks to local businesses such as Cairngorm Bothies, Manar House, Barra Farmshop, Forest Farm and The Fish Shop leading the way.

To read the article, click here.

Travel Trade update

April was a busy month for the VisitAberdeenshire travel trade team, with Alanna and Rachel representing the region at VisitScotland Connect. They held 80 one-to-one appointments with international buyers and supported familiarisation visits on either side of the event.

With a fantastic cohort of local businesses also attending the event, buyers left with a genuine sense of the region’s unique offerings and visitor experiences.

Alanna and Rachel noted a growing interest in bespoke, off-the-beaten-path experiences, with many buyers looking to create longer, more immersive itineraries across the region.

Looking ahead, Alanna will attend a VisitScotland East Coast Proposition event in May, joining forces with Tay Country to inspire destination management companies (DMCs). The event will spotlight the A96 route and the wealth of memorable experiences awaiting visitors along Scotland’s east coast.

Find out how your business can embrace sustainable  tourism practices by booking a one-to-one advice session today

The principles of responsible tourism can provide a framework for businesses to grow sustainably and reach new markets. 

VisitAberdeenshire created a toolkit to help tourism businesses in Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire adopt inclusive and sustainable tourism practices, build resilience and achieve growth while minimising negative impacts.

We are currently offering the opportunity for tourism and hospitality businesses in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire to receive a 1to1 advice session, to help get the most out of the toolkit and to help your business grow responsibly. Register here to book yours.

Have you heard? The Aberdeen Adventurer has arrived

The new open-top bus, The Aberdeen Adventurer, has arrived in the city and if you haven’t already seen the orange bus doing it’s rounds, you no doubt will soon.

The hop on, hop off bus allows passengers to view some of Aberdeen’s top landmarks and attractions, whilst learning about the history and heritage of the city. The service will initially run six rotations per day, seven days a week on a 90-minute cycle with the tour lasting around 75 minutes for one circuit.

The partnership between McGill’s Xplore, Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, VisitAberdeenshire and Aberdeen Inspired, the route includes Kings College, Pittodrie Statum, Footdee (Fittie), Duthie Park and Union Terrace Gardens. To find out more, click here.

Advertising opportunities

As the official tourism organisation for Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, VisitAberdeenshire is dedicated to connecting visitors with the unique landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich heritage of Scotland’s North-east.

Whether you are looking to grow your social media following, target a wider audience, promote your upcoming event or work with more local businesses, we have advertising opportunities for you.

To find out more about these opportunities, click here or contact Gemma Laing to discuss your advertising package today.

Don’t forget to update your business listing ahead of the summer season

Marketing Materials

Upcoming VisitAberdeenshire events

NEWS FROM OTHER ORGANISATIONS

Navigating Success: Digital Marketing Masterclass for Tall Ships Aberdeen.

To help businesses prepare for the Tall Ships arriving in Aberdeen this summer, Aberdeen Inspired have partnered with Business Gateway to deliver a free digital marketing masterclass.

Learn how to craft an impactful online presence that attracts visitors and drives engagement. This session is tailored for Aberdeen businesses looking to capitalise on this high-profile event through strategic social media, content marketing, and digital collaborations. Click here to find out more.

VisitScotland’s new bitesize webinars

As part of VisitScotland’s new business support hub,  the team are offering 15 minute, bitesize webinars covering a variety of different topics.  The programme will run all year round, and each webinar will be recorded – so if you can’t make it on the day, you can catch up on the recording. This months topics include:

• Helping tourism experiences to start working with online travel agents - Thursday 22nd May, 2pm – 2:30pm

To register and to find out more, click here.