The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 has boosted city centre businesses to a high tide of success – with Union Square smashing multiple footfall records, even surpassing its launch weekend.
Many other city centre businesses are reporting an unprecedented uplift as tens of thousands of visitors flock to enjoy the spectacular event and carnival atmosphere of the Tall Ships, said Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, one of the partner organisations for the event, along with Aberdeen City Council and Port of Aberdeen.
Adrian, business engagement lead for the Aberdeen Tall Ships organising committee, said one of the driving forces behind bringing the Tall Ships Races back to Aberdeen after 28 years was the anticipated economic benefits it would bring and the boost it would give regenerating the city centre.
He said: “The news that records have been broken at Union Square is simply fantastic. It chimes with feedback we have been receiving at Aberdeen Inspired from businesses and our levy payers. They are telling us the Tall Ships Races is one of the best things to have happened in the city since the last time these beautiful ships were here.
“It is just massive. You can see that for yourself. Everywhere you look people are smiling, having fun and, just as importantly, spending in our local shops, bars, restaurants and attractions.
“It will take some time for precise footfall and trading figures to filter through, but there is no question the Tall Ships has achieved the high tide of success we hoped it would bring.”
Union Square said it has achieved unprecedented visitor numbers during the event so far, setting multiple footfall records. Saturday marked a historic milestone for centre, surpassing even its launch weekend figures by 5%. This was followed by the busiest Sunday ever recorded. The footfall numbers on Saturday were 78,685 and on Sunday were 61,682.
Overall footfall for the week showed a remarkable 37.8% increase compared to the same period last year, demonstrating the significant impact of the maritime celebration on the city centre.
Ryan Manson, Union Square Centre Director, said: "We have all been extremely excited in the build-up to Tall Ships, and the results have exceeded our expectations.
“It’s fantastic to see our city and Union Square so bustling with activity."
Gavin Paterson, general manager of the Douglas Hotel, which takes in Shiprow Village and the Royal Athenaeum Suites, said the impact of the Tall Ships on business had been “amazing”.
“From Friday evening through to today (Monday) we have seen footfall soar and we have seen a fantastic uplift in business. There is no doubt the Tall Ships has had a massive impact for us, but right across the city centre.
“These have been some of the busiest few days we have ever seen and we have the Tall Ships to thank for that.”
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