#VisitOban campaign reaches 15m people
A campaign to showcase Oban to young people across the UK has reached almost 15 million people with the help of VisitScotland.
#VisitOban, a digital marketing drive from Oban and Lorn Tourism Alliance (OLTA), looked to inspire millennials to discover cultural and adventure experiences available in Oban and the surrounding area. Using Facebook and Instagram as channels, its activity reached 14.9 million people and generated more than 1.4 million engagements.
The year-long project, which received a £12,500 VisitScotland Growth Fund award, created dynamic videos to highlight the best outdoor adventure experiences in Oban and Lorn. The films received more than 82,000 views during the campaign.
A downloadable live music venue trail for Oban was made showcasing where in the town to see bands as well as shining a spotlight on Argyll’s biggest music event, Oban Live. The success of the campaign helped contribute to a soldout Oban Live.
#VisitOban also played a key role in the Argyll and the Isles regional takeover across
VisitScotland’s consumer social channels, with the activity reaching 5.4 million people across the world.
The campaign was launched as part of the Year of Young People 2018, the most recent of the Scottish Government’s series of themed years, following the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology 2017.
Planning is already under way for the Year of Coasts and Waters 2020, a year-long programme of events and activities which will shine a spotlight on the impact Scotland’s waters have on the country.
David Adams McGilp,
VisitScotland regional director, said: ‘I’m very pleased to hear about the success of the #VisitOban campaign. The creativity and hard work from the team at Oban and Lorn Tourism Alliance, and the support from BID4Oban, has helped promote the area as a top destination for young people.
‘At VisitScotland, we want to champion collaboration, spearhead digital innovation, promote areas and events and ensure tourism is recognised for the positive impact it brings to Scotland.’
Andrew Spence, BID4Oban chief executive, said: ‘Oban Business Improvement
District is delighted with the results of this initiative. It proves how important it is for all sectors involved in tourism to work together. Our relationship with OLTA is crucial in promoting Oban and Lorn.’
Neil Mackay, chairman of OLTA, added: ‘Working with BID4Oban and VisitScotland has enabled OLTA to gain maximum funding and exposure in marketing Oban and Lorn. It is crucial all parties work together to promote and encourage visitors to the area. This initiative proves the success of partnership working. Long may it continue.’
For more information about the campaign and OLTA, go to www.oban.org.uk.