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Visit Scotland | Alba
Article published 01/08/2023

Introduction from Cheryl Chapman, Development Manager

Welcome to the April to June 2023 quarterly edition of our regional industry update for Orkney, with an overview of some of the ways we’ve been promoting and supporting tourism in the islands over the last few months.  

With the season in full swing, we ‘re hearing encouraging signs from tourism and events businesses about the season. We know that challenges certainly remain for you all, however the appetite for holidaying in Scotland is strong, from both the domestic and international markets.

The islands have been buzzing with events including the Nature Festival, and the Orkney Folk Festival and St Magnus Festival, which both enjoyed record ticket sales this year.

Cheryl Chapman

Orkney featured in the ongoing Spirit of the Highlands and Islands marketing campaign that we're managing. Aimed at UK and European audiences, the broadcast and digital activity for early spring resulted in more than five million video views and 30 million impressions. More activity is planned for autumn.

Read on for more information on our activity to support tourism and events in Orkney, and promote the fantastic things to see, do and enjoy across the islands. 

Scottish and UK press activity

We work closely with Scottish and UK media to raise awareness of our work to promote Orkney to visitors, and how we offer support for the industry. Some of the most recent highlights include: 

Read all of our press releases on our media centre

Cutting from the online Orkney News of a VisitScotland press article on the success of Scotland's Year of Stories 2022
Cutting from the online Orkney News of a VisitScotland press article on the success of Scotland's Year of Stories 2022

Global PR

Orkney on social media

1.3+ million

were reached by Orkney content on our channels

more than 74,000

engaged with Orkney content

more than 70,000

reactions to Orkney content

Scotland's Year of Stories evaluation

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 evaluation

Future Themed Year

We asked for your help to scope out options for a future Themed Year. Our Themed Years celebrate the very best of Scotland and its people.

The survey is currently closed.

More details to follow.

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