Lights, action, music play a part in tourism triumph
Installation designer Tom Piper, left, and artist Paul Cummins at the official opening of the Weeping Wondow at Balhousie Castle Rewind at Scone Palace brings tens of thousands of music fans to the Big County From new attractions including the Weeping Window display at the Black Watch Castle and Museum to returning events such as the Enchanted Forest, 2016 has been another big year for tourism in the region.
Mr Clarkson said: “Evidence suggests that Perthshire has enjoyed another busy tourism season with attractions and events across the region reporting record number of visitors this year.
“Innovative new attractions such as the stunning Weeping Window at the Black Watch Castle and Museum in Perth drew more than 113,000 people while the Enchanted Forest also proved a big hit with visitors once again as a record 70,000 people took in the spectacular sound and light show in Pitlochry’s woodlands this autumn.
“Other events, such as Rewind at Scone Palace, also played a starring role in this year’s tourism success, attracting more than 30,000 music
Jim Clarkson, VisitScotland regional director, presents Perth-based Earn River Cottage’s Five Star Quality Assurance Award to Alexander and Donryn Dewar in September
fans to the region for a weekend of the very best in live acts from the 80s.
“Events and attractions like the Enchanted Forest and Rewind don’t just provide fantastic entertainment for visitors - they also represent a
Auchingarrich wildlife park near Comrie, home to these tartan sheep, is one of many VisitScotland Information Partners in the region
multi-million pound benefit to Perthshire, year round, and keep the eyes of the world on the region as the perfect stage.”
The Enchanted Forest celebrated its 15th anniversary by adding a number of high-profile awards to its collection, including the best cultural event at the prestigious UK Event Awards.
This year has seen a number of businesses across Perthshire joining VisitScotland’s Quality Assurance scheme (QA), achieving their QA award for the first time or moving up the grading scheme, including Brae House in Aberfeldy, Cuil-an-Duin near Pitlochry, the Dupplin Estate in Perth and Jessie Mac’s in Birnam.
Mr Clarkson added: “It is fantastic to see so many establishments in the area obtaining their ‘stars’. VisitScotland’s QA scheme boasts high awareness and trust among visitors, playing a key role in holiday decision-making both before and during their stay.
“This year has also seen a shift in the nature of information provision across Perthshire. While VisitScotland iCentre’s remain at the heart of information delivery, we have also been working to harness the spirit of a nation to share our inspirational stories and
The award-winning Enchanted Forest near Pitlochry experiences, marketing Scotland with Scotland.
“Entitled ‘iKnow Scotland’, the new online and face-to-face community gives businesses, industry and visitors the tools to enable them to share the Spirit of Scotland with others.
“Our two new ‘iKnow Scotland’ initiatives include VisitScotland Information Partners (VIP) and the online Scotland community.
“Perthshire has really embraced the ‘iKnow Scotland’ programme, which is fundamentally about reaching more people with more personal information so they stay longer, spend more, growing the visitor economy and creating jobs.
“With that in mind, it gives me great pleasure to announce that to date a total of 50 businesses across the region have signed up to become a VisitScotland Information Partner (VIP).
“From the Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre in Comrie to Northland Bed and Breakfast in Pitlochry, we have seen a fantastic response from businesses in the region to the scheme.”
The VIP programme ties in with VisitScotland’s global Spirit of Scotland campaign, harnessing the local knowledge, warmth and enthusiasm of staff at the attractions helping visitors make the most of their trip to Scotland.
Launched in February 2016, ‘the spirit of Scotland’ campaign is built on extensive research which shows that people think Scotland has a unique spirit– whether it’s the magic of the landscapes or the warmth of the people.
Mr Clarkson continued: “Next year also looks set to be a great year for tourism in the region, with some fantastic projects on the horizon. With our world-renowned history and knowledgeable and passionate tourism industry, Perthshire is poised to take great advantage of Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for being fantastic ambassadors for Perthshire throughout the year and I look forward to us working together again to make 2017 our most successful yet. Have a happy festive season and a wonderful new year.”