Tourism strategy welcomed

A new tourism strategy which aims to bring £1 billion of visitor spending into Aberdeenshire by 2023 has been welcomed by councillors.

Visitaberdeenshire is behind the new document, which sets out proposals for a number of action plans to attract more tourists through business events, cruises, golf, culture and heritage, food and drink and touring.

A report to councillors contained calls for a programme of on-shore excursions designed to appeal to cruise passengers in the hope this will encourage operators to include ports of call at Aberdeen Harbour.

Mearns councillor George Carr said: “Tourism is a broad subject and it includes the whole of Aberdeenshire.

“We need to work with groups to make the experience of the north-east better. I think we have a long way to go with this but I do welcome this.”

Members of the infrastructure services committee discussed the new vision at a meeting at Woodhill House.

Independent councillor Paul Johnston asked members of the committee for a further report into the sustainability of the action plans after they are written.

“I would ask for a further report on each of the different action plans before we commit to any funding. I believe this would allow us to see the best value for money with each of the action plans,” he added.

Councillors approved the strategy unanimously.