November 2026 Newsletter
What a day! North-east Scotland Tourism Conference 2026Â
Last week, more than 200 delegates gathered at P&J Live in Aberdeen for the North-East Scotland Tourism Conference, held in association with Aberdeen International Airport. Highlights included David Edwards' entertaining and insightful look at changing visitor behaviour; lively panel discussions, including preparations for the 2027 WRC Rally Scotland event; emerging technologies such as AI; encouraging the young workforce through collaboration and experiences; plus plenty of valuable networking opportunities.
A huge thank you to our sponsors, whose support made the event possible, and to our exhibitors, who showcased the strength of the tourism and hospitality supply chain. We also thank everyone who attended and contributed to the conversation.
Accessibility and inclusion spotlight at conference
Accessibility information was a notable theme throughout the day. David Edwards stressed that inclusion extends beyond physical facilities: clear, accurate accessibility information and confident customer service are equally important. Phionna McInnes, We Too! explored how rethinking the welcome can create lasting impacts and let customers know what to expect before they arrive, while Marina Di Duca, VisitScotland and Rachel Smith, VisitAberdeenshire helped businesses identify and communicate the information disabled visitors need.
Find more information on accessibility and inclusion in our Sustainable Tourism Toolkit.
VisitAberdeenshire enhances business development in cruise and golf markets
Over the past few months Alanna Fowler, VisitAberdeenshire's Travel Trade and Incentive Executive, has been actively promoting the region at key industry events.
At Seatrade Cruise Med in September, Alanna and Chris Whetham from Port of Aberdeen represented CruiseAberdeen, meeting shore excursion companies, cruise lines and industry networks. They showcased new destination products and identified potential calls and follow-up opportunities. Pamela Neri also attended to promote Fraserburgh Harbour, strengthening the North-east's profile as a top choice for cruise calls.
Last month, Alanna and Laura Wilson, Head of Aberdeen Convention Bureau, attended the International Golf Travel Market (IGTM). They pitched Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire to international tour operators, highlighting our world-class links as well as parkland courses, quality accommodation and experiences from castles and whisky to local food.
Read more about cruise, golf, and travel trade market opportunities here.
Attract cruise visitors to your business in 2027
Planning for the 2027 cruise season is underway, and VisitAberdeenshire's cruise advertising opportunities are now available to book.
From our cruise visitor map and quayside volunteer information trailer to website advertising and visitor-facing materials, there are a range of ways to raise awareness of your business among cruise visitors arriving in Aberdeen, especially those who will be exploring independently
With a limited number of packages available, businesses are encouraged to book early to secure maximum exposure throughout the 2027 cruise season.
View the 2027 cruise advertising opportunities brochure and contact the team at opps@visitabdn.com to discuss the package best suited to your business.
Media Getaway - A major travel media event is coming to Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire in June 2027. Get involved!
Media Getaway, the annual networking event connecting UK and Irish travel journalists with destinations to pitch and commission stories, comes to Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire in June 2027.
As host, VisitAberdeenshire will deliver a site visit programme on 16 June, with around five full-day itineraries showcasing our region to roughly 100 media delegates. We're now inviting expressions of interest from local tourism businesses wanting exposure to UK travel writers.
To find out more please go to Media Getaway 2027.
Raise the profile of your event
Our Events section is one of the most visited areas of the VisitAberdeenshire website, attracting 115,000 views annually.
It's completely free for businesses to list as many events as they wish, giving you the opportunity to reach visitors and locals looking for things to see and do across the region. Events are also regularly featured in our monthly consumer newsletters, reaching more than 134,000 engaged subscribers.
Have an event coming up? Add it to our website through your VisitAberdeenshire Data Thistle login.
VisitAberdeenshire's sustainability report 2025-26Â
VisitAberdeenshire's second annual sustainability report for 2025-26 is now available online. The report highlights how our work supports sustainable tourism across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, from school engagement and the Welcome to Aberdeenshire volunteer programme to sustainable travel initiatives and practical business support. It also shows how we work with local businesses and communities to keep the region vibrant and welcoming for future generations.
Upcoming VisitAberdeenshire Events
News from other organistations
Aberdeen City Council. Visitor Levy briefing document
Aberdeen city Council have published an informative document for accommodation providers and booking agents that provides practical details on both levy collection and the associated investment of the net proceeds. This includes practical information, frequently asked questions, helpful phrases, and links to further materials that can be used on your premises.
2027 STA Signature Conference
Early Bird tickets are now on sale for the 2027 STA Signature Conference Programme.
Taking place in Glasgow on 23-24 February 2027, the conference will bring together industry leaders, innovators and experts from across Scotland's tourism and hospitality sector.
Under the theme "Looking Forward, Not Back," delegates will explore the ideas, innovation and partnerships needed to position Scotland as a global leader in 21st-century tourism.
- First speakers announced, with more to follow
- Three days of industry insights, discussion and networking
- Complimentary VIP ticket to SCOTHOT included
- STA Spotlight Stage returns to SCOTHOT
 Early Bird rates are available until 29 November.
VisitScotland's upcoming webinar: Introduction to sighted guide training
Explore how to confidently support blind and partially sighted visitors. Learn how to offer assistance, basic sighted guiding techniques, common eye conditions, access rights and barriers to independence. An exclusive session delivered by Guide Dogs Sighted Guided Services, sign up using the link below.
Thursday 19 November, 14:00-15:00
Museum Galleries Scotland: Creating Welcoming Spaces: Inclusive Design for Tourism
Delivered by VisitScotland in partnership with Museums Galleries Scotland, this session will provide practical insights to help you enhance your spaces and better meet the needs of a diverse range of visitors.
Historic Environment Scotland's Heritage and Place Fund
Historic Environment Scotland's Heritage & Place Programme (H&PP) aims to contribute to the development of vibrant and sustainable places in Scotland, through community-led regeneration of the historic environment. The programme supports the development and delivery of heritage-focused schemes within conservation areas, or alternatively, distinctive heritage areas with local authority recognition. Funding is available for local authorities, national park authorities and suitably experienced not-or-profit organisations based in Scotland.
Expressions of interest to be submitted by 29 January 2027.
Small Eco Awards | The National Lottery Community Fund
Small Eco Awards provide accessible grants for communities in Scotland to take local, practical action to protect the environment. Funding is available to community organisations, registered charities, local authorities and community councils.
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