Aberdeenshire promoted during international trade show's virtual event

Aberdeenshire was represented as part of the VisitScotland presentation at the world’s leading travel trade show, ITB Berlin, which took place online for the first time.

Part of the overall VisitBritain delegation at ITB Berlin NOW, the representatives of the Scottish tourism industry were able to connect and engage with travel agents and tour operators from around the world, to promote their products, services and experiences.

The area was showcased by Visit Aberdeenshire and Banchory-based High Spirits Tours.

Organisers say 65,700 users visited the online platform over the five days of the event held last month, with 3513 exhibitors from 120 countries, while more than 1000 media and travel bloggers from 54 countries covered it.

A digital marketing campaign to raise awareness of the national tourism organisation and partners’ presence at ITB Berlin NOW using LinkedIn and Germany’s dedicated travel industry portals generated almost 900,000 digital views.

Virtual exhibiting at the event gave access to one-to-one video meetings, live chat and to the extensive ITB convention program.

VisitScotland hosted a press conference updating delegates on the focus for tourism reopening in the country with responsible tourism and a focus on the industry as a force for good at the heart of recovery planning.

The audience heard how tourism was working towards a safe return to operations with many businesses and operators signing up to the We’re Good to Go industry standard scheme with the international Safe Travels stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) an addition for the new season.

VisitScotland's senior market manager Europe Judy Mariëns said: “Although we don’t know exactly when non-essential international travel can resume, we continue to engage with our international partners on a ‘dream now, travel later’ basis so that, when the situation allows, we can move quickly to take advantage of any opportunities.

“VisitScotland is continuing to work with businesses and organisations across the country to ensure this vital part of Scotland’s economy is ready and in the best possible position to welcome international visitors back when it is safe to do so.”

Organisations that were part of the delegation were: Cairngorms Business Partnership – VisitCairngorms; Caladh Inn Hotel – Outer Hebrides; Dundee Heritage Trust; Glasgow Life; Glengoyne Distillery – Stirling; High Spirits Tours – Aberdeenshire; Highland Experience – Edinburgh; Johnnie Walker Princes Street and Scotch Whisky Distillery Experiences – Edinburgh; SCHLOSS Roxburghe Hotel and Golf Course – Scottish Borders; Sonas Collection Isle of Skye – Highlands; Sweeneys Cruise Co Loch Lomond – Dunbartonshire; The Angus Hotel – Perthshire; The Tartan Road – Argyll and Isles; Visit Moray Speyside; and VisitAberdeenshire.

For further information on VisitScotland’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, visit www.visitscotland.org/supporting-your-business/advice/coronavirus

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.