Destination Orkney awarded £30k funding boost

September 23, 2018 at 3:30 pm

Local stakeholders were pleased to hear that Destination Orkney had received £30k in funding from VisitScotland.

A campaign to promote short breaks to Orkney during the quieter, off-peak months has received £30,000 of VisitScotland Growth Funding.

Starting in October, this new initiative will aim to extend the current tourist season by encouraging short breaks during quieter periods.

The £30,000 Growth Fund cash is being matched by £15,000 from Destination Orkney’s own funds and the same from Orkney Islands Council, to give them a total budget of £60,000.

Destination Orkney is a new partnership body created in June to help boost and responsibly manage tourism in Orkney. Principal partners include Orkney Islands Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, VisitScotland, Historic Environment Scotland, and Scottish Natural Heritage.

Kate Lewington, chief executive of Destination Orkney, says it had been a long-standing aim of the industry to extend the season. By developing interest in October and April, Destination Orkney believes trade will spread into the autumn and spring respectively.

“Orkney is in the fantastic position of launching a new era for tourism in the archipelago,” she explained.

“This campaign will set the standard for tourism marketing in Orkney for the long-term, while providing a wonderful campaign that shouts about the magic of Orkney during our unique autumn and winter months.”

For the full story, pick up a copy of next Thursday’s The Orcadian.