VisitAberdeenshire appoint new chairman Stephen Gow
A tourism organisation has appointed a new chairman.
VisitAberdeenshire has welcomed Stephen Gow into the role, replacing outgoing chairwoman Claire Bruce after her seven years in the role.
Mr Gow has 40 years’ experience in hotel management, beginning his career as a management trainee with British Transport Hotels at the now Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh.
He is general manager of The Chester Hotel in Aberdeen, a fellow of the Institute of Hospitality, and has been directly involved in tourism for many years, as founding director of one of VisitAberdeenshire’s forerunners, VisitAberdeen.
He is a Master Innholder, a Freeman of the City of London and is chairman of the Hospitality Apprenticeship North East, a programme developed by hoteliers to attract talent into the hospitality industry locally, as well as Apprenticeship in Hospitality Scotland.
Mr Gow is also chairman of the Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards, and vice-chairman of Aberdeen City and Shire Hotel Association.
He said: “It is a privilege to take on the role of chair at such a pivotal time for VisitAberdeenshire.
“The region has enormous potential to grow its visitor economy, with a wealth of natural beauty, cultural depth and world-class hospitality to offer.
“As we look ahead to the opportunities and responsibilities presented by the forthcoming visitor levy, I am committed to working closely with the board and executive team to champion the region, support our industry partners, and drive forward a strategic vision that delivers long-term, sustainable growth for tourism in both Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.”
Jennifer Craw MBE, CEO of Opportunity North East and a board member of VisitAberdeenshire, said: "Stephen brings a deep knowledge and experience of the tourism and hospitality sector to the role.
“Tourism development is critical to the diversification of the region's economy, and has grown to be worth more than £1 billion a year, attracting more visitors to experience north-east hospitality and the natural environment through mountain biking, golf and the rich cultural assets in both Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
“I look forward to working with Stephen to build on this strong position and drive further sustainable growth.
“And recognise the significant contribution Claire Bruce has made to the industry during her time as chair and know that she will continue to work with us and be a passionate advocate for north-east tourism."
Aberdeenshire Councillor John Cox said: “Having been involved in the recruitment selection process, I was very pleased with the number of candidates looking to take the helm and help promote our wonderful tourism offering in the north-east of Scotland.
“Tourism and hospitality play a vital and significant role in our economy, I am confident that as our new chair, Stephen will ensure our strategic direction and vision are driven forward in the future and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Claire for her dedication to the role in recent years.”
Aberdeen City Councillor Miranda Radley said: “Aberdeen City Council has an excellent working relationship with VisitAberdeenshire and we are looking forward to working with Stephen as we continue to put tourism at the heart of the city and region’s economy.
“There is a lot to look forward to working on with our city centre and beach masterplans continuing to help transform Aberdeen as a tourist destination.”
The tourism sector in the north-east is worth more than £1.1 billion, and the goal is to lift the economic impact of tourism in the region.
VisitAberdeenshire’s core purpose is to drive demand to visit Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, and support businesses to develop and to meet that demand, in both destination marketing and destination development.
VisitAberdeenshire is funded by Opportunity North East, Aberdeenshire Council and Aberdeen City Council.
