September 2026 Newsletter
We head into the autumn with our latest UK campaign live, promoting experiences that resonate with our target audiences: heritage, culture, autumnal walks and bike rides, and of course wonderful food and drink. At November's tourism conference - in partnership with Aberdeen International Airport - an extensive and engaging programme will include expert panel who will lift the hood on what goes on when the Rally Scotland comes to the North-east in 2027, and how it can support the visitor economy. Booking details below.
An intense blast of travel trade activity over the next two months will see the region represented at major trade events covering inbound tourism, and specifically the cruise and golf sectors. Meantime, we're taking the initiative to attract high value incentive travel buyers to the North-east early in the winter. More on all of these to come.
North-east Scotland Tourism Conference 2026 in partnership with Aberdeen International Airport
We're delighted to unveil the programme for the North-east Scotland Tourism Conference 2026, taking place on Wednesday 4 November at P&J Live, in association with Aberdeen International Airport. Hosted by Fiona Stalker, expect a fantastic line-up of keynote discussions, panels, and workshops. It's a day not to be missed for anyone passionate about the future of tourism in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
Get involved in our Spring campaign
Launching mid-February 2027, our next campaign will reach an engaged audience across the UK with great reasons to make a break for our corner of Scotland next spring / early summer. Plans are at an early stage and we are inviting businesses to join in. Campaign partners benefit from brand exposure, association with VisitAberdeenshire and access to competition entrants, providing a valuable opportunity to grow your own marketing database.
Get in touch with the VisitAberdeenshire marketing team to find out more about partnership opportunities, contact Ashleigh Pirie, Marketing Manager.
Applications for new Food & Drink Business Support Programme open!
To help strengthen the region's visitor offer and support local businesses, VisitAberdeenshire is inviting 12 food and drink producers from Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire to join a new programme focused on developing bookable visitor experiences.
Inspired by Scotland Food & Drink's successful Bookable Experiences programme, it is designed for businesses looking to diversify, welcome visitors, and share the story behind their products. It is also suitable for producers who already offer experiences and want to enhance them, improve online bookability, and attract more visitors.
Applications close on Friday 25 September.
Be a part of VisitAberdeenshire's Travel Trade activity
Trade show season is upon us, and VisitAberdeenshire is preparing to showcase Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire to UK and international travel trade buyers at key industry events. This month, we will attend UKInbound Inspire and Seatrade Cruise Med, followed by IGTM in October, where we will promote the region to an international golf tourism audience.
If you have any new products, experiences or updates you would like us to feature, please contact Alanna Fowler, Travel Trade & Incentive Executive.
Finding routes to market through travel trade intermediariesÂ
The travel trade is often thought about for the group market only, but in fact the sector is also used extensively for small group, individual and luxury travel. If you're looking for ways to expand your customer base in specific markets, working with the travel trade can help connect you with the right audience.
Access our updated toolkit and discover how working with the travel trade can unlock new markets, boost your business and encourage visitors to spend longer exploring the region.
Bring your business to The Getaway Show 2026
VisitAberdeenshire is working in partnership with P&J Live to create a dedicated Explore Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire area at The Getaway Show 2026, taking place from 25-27 September 2026 at P&J Live. We are inviting local tourism and hospitality providers to consider exhibiting.
Helping young people shape the future of tourism
As part of our 10th anniversary, VisitAberdeenshire has launched a school's project, supported by DYW North East, inviting pupils to imagine tourism in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire in 2036. Six challenges explore visitor experiences, future travel, destination marketing and sustainability, with winning entries showcased at the North East Tourism Conference on 4 November.
Recognising the people who make a difference
The success of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire is built on the dedication of people across our communities, from volunteers welcoming visitors to academics attracting international conferences and events. VisitAberdeenshire will recognise these contributions through the Volunteer Recognition Awards in October and the Aberdeen Ambassadors Awards in January. Organisations keen to support these initiatives and align with community contribution, excellence and regional pride can find out more about the available sponsorship opportunities.
Find out how your organisation can get involved and view the available sponsorship opportunities here.
Upcoming VisitAberdeenshire Events
News from other organistations
Aberdeen Visitor Levy. Information relating to advance bookings from 1 October 2026
The Aberdeen Visitor Levy will go live on 1 April 2027 at a rate of 7%. The Visitor Levy will apply to all advance bookings made from 1 October 2026 for stays taking place on or after 1 April 2027.
Aberdeen City Council will contact accommodation providers by email shortly to confirm details for registration, so please keep an eye on your inbox. Support will be available to help businesses prepare.
Revenue raised through the Visitor Levy will help support events, attractions and city improvements, strengthening Aberdeen's reputation as a welcoming, vibrant and competitive destination.
National Events Funding programme award applications open
VisitScotland's National Events Programme supports the strategic development of live public-facing sporting and cultural events in Scotland (outwith Edinburgh and Glasgow). The current funding round closes on Monday 5 October at 2pm.
VisitScotland Business Essentials: climate partners panel discussion - climate action support for your tourism business
Hosted by VisitScotland on Thursday 24 September, this Climate Week panel brings together our core climate partners, HES, EICC Springboard Programme and TRACE by Isla. Explore heritage adaptation guidance, accelerator insights and carbon tracking tools, with expert advice to help tourism businesses build resilience and cut emissions.
Five ways to take part in Scotland's Climate Week 2026
From 28 September to 4 October, Scotland's Climate Week is back, encouraging people and organisations across the country to get involved in climate action.
Business Energy Scotland has put together some quick ideas to help your business get involved.
Business Gateway - September webinars to look out for
A host of practical webinars from Business Gateway are coming up this month including How to improve your Google search rankings, How to create engaging content, and How to write funding applications.
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Your go-to resource for the latest news, insights and updates for tourism and hospitality businesses across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Stay informed about events, workshops and opportunities to help your business thrive in the region’s vibrant visitor economy.
