VisitAberdeenshire launches schools project to inspire the next generation of tourism talent
Project launched to help young people shape the future of tourism
What will Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire look like to visitors in 2036?
That is the challenge VisitAberdeenshire is putting to young people across the region through a new school’s project launched as part of the organisation's 10th anniversary celebrations.
Developed with the support of DYW North East, the initiative invites primary and secondary schools from across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire to explore the future of tourism through a series of creative, curriculum-linked challenges.
The project encourages pupils to think about how visitors might experience the region in the future while developing skills in creativity, communication, research, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Encouraging the next generation of tourism leaders
Tourism is an important part of the North-east economy, supporting businesses, jobs and communities while helping visitors discover the landscapes, heritage, culture, and experiences that make Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire unique.
The schools project has been designed to help young people better understand the visitor economy and the opportunities it creates, while encouraging them to contribute their own ideas about how the region could evolve over the next decade.
The six project themes cover areas including:
- Future visitor experiences
- Travel and tourism trends
- Destination marketing
- Sustainable tourism
- Local places and communities
- Future tourism innovation
Activities have been tailored for both primary and secondary learners, enabling schools to select the challenge best suited to their pupils.
As VisitAberdeenshire marks a decade of tourism leadership, the competition provides a unique opportunity for young people to help shape the conversation about what the future of tourism in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire could look like.
Supporting learning and skills development
The project aligns with Curriculum for Excellence and Developing the Young Workforce objectives, helping young people develop transferable skills that are valuable across a wide range of future careers.
Each project brief includes information about tourism careers and the variety of roles that contribute to the visitor economy, from destination development and sustainability to marketing, communications, digital content creation, and business engagement.
Supporting guidance, research resources and tourism insights are also available to help schools develop their submissions.
Jamie Hutcheon, Director of DYW North East, added:
"At DYW North East, we are delighted to support this project, which is an example of how young people learn best through experience. By working with VisitAberdeenshire on a real challenge, participants will gain valuable skills, build confidence and develop a deeper understanding of the tourism sector. At DYW North East, we believe these kinds of employer-led experiences are vital in helping young people connect education with the world of work and discover future career opportunities in the North East."
A chance to share ideas with the tourism industry
Winning entries will be recognised through VisitAberdeenshire's anniversary activity and will be featured at The North-east Scotland Tourism Conference on Wednesday 4 November 2026.
The conference brings together tourism businesses, industry partners, and stakeholders from across the North-east, providing an opportunity to celebrate the creativity and ideas of young people and their vision for the future of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire as a visitor destination.
How schools can get involved
The project is open to primary and secondary schools across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
Schools wishing to take part can request a project pack containing:
- Project briefs
- Teacher guidance
- Curriculum links
- Tourism careers information
- Research resources and useful links
To request a project pack, please email info@visitabdn.com.
VisitAberdeenshire would like to thank DYW North East for supporting the project and helping to inspire the next generation of tourism professionals, entrepreneurs and ambassadors for Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
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