OTG appoint new executive director

Orkney Tourism Group has appointed Cameron Taylor as its new executive director, the organisation has announced.

Mr Taylor will oversee OTG Board operations, manage the organisation’s full-time project officer and co-ordinate the Board’s key partner relationships. The new post is part-time for a trial period of a year.

Meanwhile, OTG has appointed Gareth Crichton as its board chairperson for the coming year, with Ann Marwick and Dawn Flett sharing the vice-chair role.

Born in Orkney, Cameron Taylor graduated with a degree in history from Aberdeen University in 1979. He returned to Orkney in 1994, following a career in the Civil Service, to work as chief executive of the Orkney Tourist Board.

Mr Taylor, who set up his own tourism and heritage consulting business in 1999, recently returned to Orkney after ten years in Forres, where he helped establish the Moray Speyside Tourism destination marketing organisation, hosted by Moray Chamber of Commerce.

“I’m really delighted to once again be playing a role in Orkney tourism,” said Mr Taylor.

“I’m particularly looking forward to working with colleagues in the industry and from other sectors, along with public sector partners, to foster collaborative approaches to the development and marketing of Orkney tourism and the wider Orkney brand.”

Returning as chair of OTG, Gareth Crichton, who also previously served as chief executive of the former Orkney Tourist Board, said: “Tourism is, of course, massively important to Orkney. Whilst the islands have an abundance of unique, top quality attractions, we do exist within a hugely competitive global marketplace and should never rest on our laurels. It’s vitally important that we continually evaluate what we offer to that marketplace and look for ways to enhance our status as an international tourism destination.

“We are delighted to have Cameron join us and he will be working closely with the OTG membership and the new Board to ensure our approach to marketing Orkney remains focused and effective, and to help us develop the full potential of digital technologies in sharing the message about our wonderful islands.”