This summer, several ‘firsts’ were celebrated in Aberdeen, with all-new sporting events and major infrastructure developments underway.
The region has seen a positive tourism year with a host of returning and new events, all whilst celebrating Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.
Jo Robinson, VisitScotland regional director for Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, said: “In May, I was cheering on the Tour Series athletes as they took part in the first ever Aberdeen round – the sun shone on Aberdeen and our city looked splendid as the professional cyclists took on the challenging circuit that took them down Queen’s Terrace, Rosemount Viaduct, Back Wynd, and Union Street.
“In August, I took part in the inaugural Great Aberdeen Run, along with three of my colleagues. The buzz was fantastic, with an impressive crowd turning out to support over 8,000 participants in the 10k, half-marathon or family race. As all four of the VisitScotland team had been on holiday earlier in August, we didn’t have high hopes for our performance but were pleasantly surprised to learn that we had won second place in the Medium Business category in the Business Challenge!”
Several new developments are currently ongoing in Aberdeen, including the creation of a new £300m+ AECC and the redevelopment of both Aberdeen Art Gallery and Aberdeen’s Music Hall.
Jo said: “I regularly drive past the new AECC development and am delighted to see it progressing so quickly. The new facility will put Aberdeen on the map as a first class destination of choice for business events and conferences, and I know the teams at the AECC and VisitAberdeenshire are pursuing the lucrative business events market with increased vigour as the region positions itself as a high quality, value-for-money proposition.
“I was delighted to attend Aberdeen International Airport’s unveiling of their new Northern Lights Lounge and international arrivals area in October, in the esteemed company of HRH The Duchess of Rothesay. These new facilities will provide an excellent welcome to international travellers, as well as provide them with a flavour of our bountiful local produce, courtesy of the Northern Lights Lounge’s menu designed by Kilted Chef, Craig Wilson.”
November saw the launch of a new touring route in Aberdeenshire – the North East 250. Supporters of the route hope it will highlight the region as a tourism destination and have similar success to other national touring routes.
Jo said: “Interest in touring has never been higher, and the success of similar touring routes demonstrates that visitors are really responding to the packaged experiences that defined driving routes offer.
“As well as the NE250, which takes in the best of Aberdeenshire’s coastline, mountain villages, Royal Deeside, and the Malt Whisky Trail, we also have the new Snow Roads touring route, which takes visitors on a scenic drive over Glenshee and the Lecht, and through the Cairngorms to Grantown-on-Spey.
“I regularly find myself on these roads, and there’s no doubt that the North-east offers some of the most attractive views and natural resources. Aberdeenshire certainly has capacity for increased visitor numbers and I have every confidence that initiatives such as these will drive significant interest in the region.”
Ballater welcomed the Scottish 6 Days Orienteering Championships in July, showcasing the royal village’s credentials to thousands of outdoor enthusiasts and in August, Aboyne celebrated its 150th Highland Games in the town’s Green, with a surprise visit from HRH the Queen.
Jo said: “Tourism businesses in the region pride themselves on their high quality product and the Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards - held just last month – shone a light on those who had done successfully demonstrated this.
“I would like to congratulate all the winners on their achievements, particularly Discover Fraserburgh, for putting the sometimes-overlooked North-east corner of the region firmly on the map.
“Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire is building its reputation as a quality destination and I am delighted that we already have more than 100 VisitScotland information Partners (VIPs) in the region, which gives each and every establishment the ability to provide more and better quality information directly to visitors.
“This includes locations such as Dean’s of Huntly, Grampian Transport Museum, Aberdeenshire libraries, Aberdeen Science Centre, Potarch Cafe & Restaurant and Peterhead Prison Museum. It will also add value to the services on offer and make it easier than ever before for visitors to connect with local people.”
“2018 will celebrate Scotland’s Year of Young People (YoYP), where the nation’s young people will be put in the spotlight, celebrating their talents, contributions and creating new opportunities for them to express themselves through culture, sport and a wide range of other activities.
As part of YoYP, a ‘Stepping In’ event at Aberdeen’s iconic, brand new redeveloped Music Hall, will see the transformed A-listed building filled with performances, artist commissions, participatory opportunities and storytelling.
As well as brand new, one off events, there will be special programme strands added to a host of annual events, all celebrating the YoYP, including Taste of Grampian in Inverurie.”