VisitScotland region boss David Jackson looking forward to Moray's tourism season
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A LEADING figure in Moray's tourism sector has said businesses are already experiencing high demand ahead of the 2023 season.
David Jackson, VisitScotland's regional director for Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray Speyside singled out Moray's top events for praise and said he expects the area to build on a great 2022.
“It was fantastic to be able to immerse ourselves once again in the plethora of popular events last - including the numerous festivals and shows that made a return in 2022, such as Gordon Castle Highland Games and Country Fair, Speyfest and the Findhorn Bay Arts Festival," he said.
"This year is looking to be another busy one, with various Highland Games, Moray Outdoor Walking Festival, Distilled and of course the forthcoming Spirit of Speyside whisky festival."
The Spirit of Speyside whisky festival has already seen record ticket demand and judging is already underway.
Mr Jackson said Moray Speyside is forging a new path within the tourism industry, with new attractions re-invigorating rural areas like the Cabrach.
He also said a close relationship with local tourism organisation Visit Moray Speyside was paying dividends.
“After the challenges of recent years, our local attractions are preparing for what we hope will be a busy year, with many reporting strong demand for the season ahead," Mr Jackson said.
“It’s also great to see new visitor experiences and facilities on offer, including stargazing events in the Tomintoul and Glenlivet Dark Sky Park and the newly-awarded 4-star Dorenell Visitor Centre in the heart of the Cabrach.
“Our close working relationship with Visit Moray Speyside is a good example of this too, with the recent Spirit of the Highlands & Islands campaign seeing Moray Speyside featured strongly and benefiting from this collaboration."
Ahead of the start of this year's season, VisitScotland is holding its Connect 2023 workshop at the P&J Live in Aberdeen.
Mr Jackson said the April 19 and 20 north east event, the first in-person tourism trade event for four years, would put more eyes on the Moray tourism industry players attending the event.
He said: “We are thrilled to be hosting the VisitScotland Connect 2023 travel trade workshop on April 19 and 20, at Aberdeen’s P&J Live.
"This will be our first in-person, industry-wide, travel trade event for four years, exclusively promoting Scotland as a leisure destination which will bring representatives from 23 countries to Scotland, including the UK, USA, Canada, Europe, China and Asia Pacific.
“Amongst those attending from Moray Speyside are Blervie House, Johnstons of Elgin, Innes House and the team at Visit Moray Speyside."
Responsible tourism has also become a key part of VisitScotland's plans for the Scottish industry, Mr Jackson said.
“Responsible tourism is at the heart of everything we do at VisitScotland and it is vital that we put the welfare of the individual and communities, as well as our natural environment, at the centre of our approach," He said.
“Tourism must protect our cultural heritage, our attractions, events and activities that make Scotland unique.
"This year will see us continue to work in partnership with businesses and communities to ensure all visitors and locals can have a fantastic experience, with enough resources for both.
“Our focus at VisitScotland is the responsible growth of our industry, including the regional and seasonal spread of visitors and attracting higher-value visitors who stay longer and spend more."
Despite his optimism for the coming year, Mr Jackson also highlighted the difficult tourism businesses face.
He said: “Our enthusiasm is, of course, tempered by understandable concerns over the continuing high cost of doing business, which remains a challenging backdrop for many in the industry.
"With the increased cost of materials, staff and energy, combined with double-digit inflation, the crisis is being felt by every business in Scotland.
“VisitScotland is continuing to support tourism businesses in the challenging times ahead, providing them with advice and guidance to help them in the short-term, and to allow them to build a more sustainable future."
