North-east businesses are being asked to help shape the region’s billion-pound tourism industry.
Following VisitAberdeenshire’s annual conference last week the tourism board launched a refreshed Destination Strategy for the area looking ahead to 2023.
Chief executive Chris Foy said they had now reached a “pivotal point” for our region’s tourism industry, with clear opportunities for growth, supported by significant public and private investment in projects that will strengthen the area’s potential.
This strategy sets out a shared agenda for businesses of all sizes, agencies and authorities which requires them to work together to achieve the region’s potential. VisitAberdeenshire has set an ambitious but achievable target for growth, together with an outline of the six areas they believe are their competitive strengths or opportunities.
There is an overarching action plan in the document they have now shared with industry stakeholders, and in addition an action plan is being developed for each of the six areas of opportunity.
VisitAberdeenshire’s aim is to ensure each and every business can connect into the strategy and see clearly the part they can play in contributing to the growth potential.
Mr Foy said: “As a visitor destination the north-east has an enormous growth opportunity, and as a sector we all have a role to play in achieving the ambitious target of increasing visitor spend to £1billion per annum by 2023.
“To realise this significant growth potential it is important we work together as an industry.
“That’s why we would like businesses of all sizes, along with agencies and authorities who have a stake in the future of tourism in the north-east, to review the launch strategy document and have their say on what the tourism action plans ultimately look like.”
VisitAberdeenshire is urging businesses to read the summary document and leave feedback detailing whether they feel the tourism body has captured the key experiences of the region. They also want to know how firms see the strategy fitting into their businesses.
Mr Foy added: “The new strategy comes at a time when visitors’ appetite to experience Scotland is growing, with the latest figures showing over 3.5million overnight trips were made in quarter three of 2017. With hotel accommodation demand exceeding supply in other parts of the country, this is a great opportunity for Aberdeenshire to increase its share of the market.”
