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Have a Great Day Out in the north-east, urges new tourism campaign


By Alan Beresford

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A NEW campaign encouraging people across Scotland to experience a Great Day Out this winter has been launched.

Dunnottar Castle is one of the north-east attractions taking part in the scheme.
Dunnottar Castle is one of the north-east attractions taking part in the scheme.

Backed by national tourism body VisitScotland, the scheme is offering 50 per cent discounts at participating locations.

As part of this campaign, visitors will be able to take advantage of discounted tickets to businesses participating in the Days Out Incentive Fund. Peterhead Prison Museum, Dunnottar Castle and Aberdeen Science Centre are amongst those in the north-east that have received funding to subsidise the cost of tickets, allowing visitors up to 50 per cent off admission per ticket up to the value of £20.

The incentive scheme is aimed at supporting tourism recovery by providing a boost for visitor attractions, day tour excursions and outdoor wildlife and adventure activities during the quieter winter months. Businesses are still able to apply for the Days Out Incentive Fund which is open until the end of November.

Using a combination of paid media and digital activity, including print and broadcast advertising, online videos and social media, the campaign – running from now until February 18, 2022 – aims to inspire Scots to get out and explore the country on a day out or short break.

A dedicated Great Days Out in Scotland landing page on VisitScotland’s website will direct visitors to businesses participating in the incentive scheme, as well as showcase the vast range of paid and free visitor attractions, adrenaline-filled outdoor adventures and food and drink experiences on offer throughout the country during the winter.

Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise, Ivan McKee MSP.
Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise, Ivan McKee MSP.

Tourism Minister Ivan McKee said: “With the loss of many international tourists this year due to the pandemic, the launch of the Great Days Out in Scotland campaign will increase local visitor numbers and provide a vital boost to Scotland’s world-class tourism attractions over the quieter winter months.

“Scotland’s tourism industry is one of the jewels of our economy and as we begin to carefully emerge and recover from the pandemic, we must work with the tourism industry to seize Scotland’s potential and build an economy for everyone by delivering greater, greener and fairer prosperity.”

Jo Robinson, VisitScotland Regional Director, added: “The loss of international visitors over the past year has had a major impact on visitor attractions, tours and activity providers.

“Our regional tourism and events sector needs the support of people living in Scotland. The Great Days Out in Scotland campaign will help inspire people to brighten up their winter days by taking part in a day out with family or friends at one of the many fascinating visitor attractions or experiences on offer across the region.

"The campaign delivered in partnership with the Days Out incentive fund will help generate income for this sector during the quieter months, helping to rebuild consumer confidence as well as supplement our key domestic market recovery activity.

“Tourism is a force for good, creating economic and social value in every corner of Scotland and enhancing the wellbeing of everyone who experiences it. Tourism makes Scotland richer, economically and socially, and without it, Scotland would be a much poorer place.”

The project is part of the £25million tourism recovery programme announced by the First Minister in March 2021.

To search for businesses taking part in the scheme and for further inspiration on great days out across Scotland, visit www.visitscotland.com/greatdaysout

Visitor attractions, day tour excursions and activity providers still have an opportunity to benefit from the Great Days Out in Scotland campaign. The Days Out Incentive Fund is open for new applications until Tuesday, November 30.

See https://www.visitscotland.org/supporting-your-business/funding/days-out-incentive-fund for information on guidance and eligibility criteria.

Scotrail will also be running a Buy One, Get One Free ticket offer in November, which can be used in conjunction with the Great Days Out in Scotland campaign. The train operator is launching a Buy One Get One Free offer from November 14 which will last for two weeks and will be valid for travel from Sunday to Thursday.

Look out for more details at www.scotrail.co.uk/free


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