VisitAberdeenshire has launched a new platform ahead of the Scotland versus Holland Vauxhall International Challenge match at Pittodrie this Thursday (November 9), to encourage sports fans attending events in the North-east to extend their stay and explore the region.
VisitAberdeenshire, the lead tourism agency for Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, has worked closely with the Scottish Football Association and the Royal Dutch Football Association, as well as Aberdeen Football Club, to facilitate the digital platform which can only be accessed by using a link provided to each of the football groups. The initiative is designed to capitalise on the lucrative sports tourism sector, which according to the most recent figures from VisitBritain generates £130million for the UK economy through large scale stadium sports events. While football alone attracts more than 800,000 visitors to the UK, who will watch a stadium football match.
Chris Foy, chief executive of VisitAberdeenshire said, “Aberdeen has a rich sporting heritage, and football is a large part of that. Our collaboration with the football associations will add value to the North-east economy by increasing the number of overnight visitors, and the additional visitor spend generated from local businesses such as restaurants, shops and attractions. The initiative allows us to speak directly to sports fans visiting the North-east, and provide them with the inspiration and information they need to extend their stay before and after the event.
“We have created a bespoke digital resource that we believe will appeal to the sports fans attending the match, and will provide visitors with suggestions of where to stay, a what’s on event guide, attractions to visit, and where to eat and drink. The combination of quality visitor experiences and accommodation make the region both accessible and appealing for international and UK based visitors, and we hope to roll out this initiative for other future large-scale events.”