Welcome to the April to June 2023 quarterly edition of our regional industry update for Moray Speyside with an overview of some of the ways we’ve been promoting and supporting tourism in the area over the last few months.
Read on for more information on our activity to support tourism and events in Moray Speyside, and promote the fantastic things to see, do and enjoy across the region.
Still Spirit receives a five star Quality Assurance award from Regional Director David Jackson. Image credit: VisitScotland
With the season almost in full swing, we are hearing encouraging signs from tourism and events businesses about the season ahead. We know that challenges certainly remain for you all, however as the schools break up for the summer holidays, the appetite for holidaying in Scotland is strong, from both the domestic and international markets. The recent sunny, warm weather is an added bonus!
The region is already buzzing with events, from the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival and Gordon Castle Highland Games and Country Fair to the recent SeaFest week in Lossiemouth.
One of the big tickets for this summer is the UCI Cycling World Championships which are just around the corner. The eyes of the world will be on Scotland as it hosts the event, so businesses should get ready to capitalise on the potential new visitors this will bring.
We work closely with Scottish and UK media to raise awareness of our work to promote Moray Speyside to visitors, and how we offer support for the industry. Some of the most recent highlights include:
1.4 million
reached through Moray Speyside content across all channels
84,000
engagements with Moray Speyside content
79,000
reactions to Moray Speyside content across all channels
Facebook post with Highland Coo at Fogwatt, Moray Speyside
Blogs are a way to reach potential visitors to Moray Speyside through a range of targeted online content, which matches experiences visitors are searching for.
The following are just some of the new and recently updated content featuring the region:
Spey Bay on the Moray coast. Image credit: VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
The results from the latest Themed Year, Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022, have now been published. Our new report highlights the significant benefits it brought to Scotland and its communities.
Over 1.4 million people attended a total of 201 funded events which were designed to share and celebrate Scotland’s stories.
Find out more about the full impact of Scotland's Year of Stories 2022 with key insights, learnings and results.
Read the full evaluationWe're asking for your help to scope out options for a future Themed Year. Our Themed Years celebrate the very best of Scotland and its people.
Take part in our survey – it’s open until 20 July 2023.
Share your thoughts todayWe ran a familiarisation trip for 10 key international tour operators as part of the Spirit of the Highlands and Islands (Spirit) project as part of VisitScotland Connect 2023 in April.
This spirit dedicated familiarisation trip, showcased the natural and cultural heritage of the region to key international and UK buyers.
The itinerary showcased Moray Speyside destinations, including:
Other content our Intermediary Marketing team have featured Moray Speyside across:
Moray Walking & Outdoor Festival featured in a Weibo post in June
Speyside whisky featured in a WeChat article in May
regional responsible itineraries, included as part of a welcome programme to around 3000 North America travel advisors
regional golf itineraries included as part of a welcome programme to around 3000 North America travel advisors
Speyside wildlife featured in a market update webinar to the North America Market in May
seven businesses included in VisitScotland Connect 2023 familiarisation trips in April
Woman folding Burberry scarves at Johnstons of Elgin. Image credit: VisitScotland / Kevin J Thomson
