VisitAberdeenshire update 6 June 2023

At the heart of VisitAberdeenshire’s work is our programme of workshops, webinars and the one-to-one advice we provide. It is an area that we keep regularly under review to ensure that it is responsive to the state of the market and to demand from local businesses. In the year to April 2023, we were encouraged to record that 88% of participants had rated seminars and workshops as very good or excellent, with 84% stating that participation had directly led to implementation of actions. Among the 225 one-to-one sessions delivered by our team, a whopping 96% rated the engagement as very or extremely useful. That level of outcome, and what it means for tourism in the North-east can only be maintained if we keep the content relevant to you so we’re inviting businesses from across the region to take part in a short survey to help us shape the 2023/24 programme.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Chris Foy

Help us shape our 2023-24 programme of workshops, webinars and one-to-one advice!

A key priority for VisitAberdeenshire is to support tourism businesses to grow and develop. Utilising insights gathered on industry needs, we deliver a range of workshops, webinars and one-to-one advice sessions, open to all types of tourism businesses in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. The programme has helped businesses to sharpen their marketing skills, grow their market knowledge, develop new products and experiences, and adopt sustainable and inclusive business practices.

We are currently in the process of reviewing our 2022/23 activity and planning for the year ahead. Whether you have taken part previously, or if you are new to the programme, we would really appreciate your feedback and thoughts to help us develop and refine our offering for 2023/24 to ensure we are delivering activity that meets the needs of our local tourism industry. The survey will take around 5-10 minutes of your time and it closes on Friday 30 June.

Complete the survey

Travel Trade Masterclass

Are you interested in working with the travel trade and not sure where to start? Or are you already working with intermediaries and would like to better understand this market and how to develop travel trade bookable products?

Our upcoming Travel Trade Masterclass is relevant for any tourism or hospitality business who wishes to develop and sell products through travel trade intermediaries, cruise trade and/or online travel agents (OTAs), regardless of whether you are new to working with the travel trade or could benefit from a refresher or deeper understanding of the market.

Date: Wednesday 28 June 2023, 9.30am – 3pm(registration opens at 9.30am for a 10am start)

Location: Aloft Aberdeen TECA

Click here to register for the Travel Trade Masterclass

Travel Trade Update

We were delighted to host a familiarisation trip last month for Katharina Wiig of Unike Reiser after introducing her to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire at TravelMatch and VisitBritain’s recent Meet the Nordics event. During her visit she was introduced to a range of cultural and heritage attractions and sites on offer throughout the region, as well as some of our fantastic local food and drink experiences.

We also recently hosted a number of golf familiarisation visits, welcoming buyers from Switzerland and France to experience some of the links courses in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

If you would like to develop a travel trade product, or discuss marketing your existing travel trade products, we encourage you to register for our upcoming Travel Trade Masterclass, or contact christina.wright@visitabdn.com for one-to-one advice.

Convention Bureau Update

Aberdeen Convention Bureau, represented by VisitAberdeenshire’s Philip Chan, has just returned from a successful time at IMEX Frankfurt, promoting the region. IMEX is the leading Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) trade show in Europe and attracts over 9,000 buyers from around the globe. Over the three-day event, there were many opportunities to promote the region as a top business event destination. Philip showcased the sustainability credentials of Aberdeen, including P&J Live, the most sustainable venue in the UK, and highlighted the activities and incentives that can be built into the journey for delegates when they come to Aberdeen for events.

Once embedded in the city, delegates will discover many delights for them to explore and enjoy. To maximise their experience in the region, the Aberdeen Convention Bureau offers the Delegate Offer Scheme that helps conference delegates make the most of their stay. This scheme includes special offers from various businesses across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. If you would like to include an offer, please email businessevents@visitabdn.com.

National Volunteering Week 1 – 7 June

To celebrate National Volunteering Week, we’ve been saying a big thank you to our Welcome to Aberdeenshire volunteers. On LinkedIn, we’ve been introducing our volunteers to our followers to learn more about their role in providing a warm welcome to delegates at business events and cruise passengers arriving in the region. Head over to LinkedIn to read more.

NEWS FROM OTHER ORGANISATIONS

Latest Scottish Tourism Index results: 2023 Scottish tourism prospects and the potential for accessible tourism in Scotland

56 Degree Insight has recently published the findings from its Spring Scottish Tourism Index, which was conducted in late April from a representative sample of over 1,000 Scots. Compared with the start of 2023, the results demonstrate greater holiday optimism amongst Scots, with 74% intending to take holidays in 2023.

In addition to the usual survey questions, while working with Dalriada Luxury Lodges through VisitAberdeenshire commissioned work, 56 Degree Insight identified a need for more information and understanding of the needs of those with different types of impairments to support businesses to deliver the best possible service. As a result, 56 Degree Insight adapted the latest Scottish Tourism Index survey to help answer this question.

Read the results and analysis from the Spring Scottish Tourism Index

Complete the Scottish Tourism Alliance Industry Survey

The Scottish Tourism Alliance’s (STA) latest industry survey is looking to capture the current business environment that the tourism industry is operating in ahead of the summer season commencing. The survey, which should take no longer than 15 minutes to complete, closes at 5pm on Wednesday 14 June. Complete the survey

Spaces available for Graduate Apprenticeships 2023

RGU is delighted to offer fully-funded Graduate Apprenticeship places for entry in September 2023. Offering the opportunity to become qualified to degree level whilst continuing in paid employment, it affords learners the opportunity to apply their new skills and knowledge into their role. Subjects available include BA (Hons) Business Management and BA (Hons) Accounting. Read more

Airport Charity Runway Run – request for raffle prizes

The unique midnight Runway Run returns to Aberdeen International Airport, in partnership with CHC Helicopters, on 24 June 2023. To help raise funds for Aberdeen International Airport’s charity partners, Kayleigh’s Wee Stars and We Too! as well as the official charity partners of CHC Helicopters, Befriend a Child and AberNecessities, a raffle will be held online and on the night for the 400 runners/supporters in attendance. If you are able to support with the donation of a raffle prize, please contact Fraser Bain (fraser.bain@agsairports.co.uk).