The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen attracted almost 500,000 visits and generated £32.2 million for the local economy. Image - Aberdeen Inspired
The impact of The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen in generating £32.2 million for the local economy while attracting 496,000 visits has been hailed as a phenomenal boost for the Granite City by Aberdeen Inspired.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, one of the host port partners for the event along with Aberdeen City Council and Port of Aberdeen, said the success of the event – revealed in a report by council officers - had surpassed all expectations.
Adrian said: “The economic impact of bringing the Tall Ships to Aberdeen is beyond even what we at Aberdeen Inspired had hoped for when we first floated the idea of bringing this fantastic event back to the Granite City after 27 years.
“Generating £32.2 million and attracting 496,000 visits is a phenomenal boost for our local economy, one that will have a real impact on our businesses, attractions and traders in the city centre. In some cases, it might even be the impetus that kept doors open for those who were struggling.
The Tall Ships were a stunning spectacle at the Port of Aberdeen. Image - Kris Romanski
“This news is, of course, a cause for celebration and vindication for all the hard work and energy poured into the Tall Ships Races by everyone, from the host partner organisations to the businesses who became sponsors and the volunteers who stepped forward.
“But after the champagne corks have been popped, let’s use this high tide of success as the moment Team Aberdeen becomes a reality and we all pull together to build a better future for our city and our region.”
A new report by council officers says The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen exceeded the scale and scope of the last visit in 1997.
Before the Tall Ships arrived in July, council officers had predicted it would generate between £12.3 million and £20 million. It actually brought in £32.2 million for Aberdeen’s economy.
The report said hotel occupancy received a boost, and the majority of businesses said the Tall Ships lifted their trade, with 44% seeing increased turnover.
A survey saw 94% of visitors rating their experience as “good” or “excellent,” while 91% said it improved their perception of Aberdeen and boosted their pride in the city.
The council officers' report will go to a council committee on Wednesday next week.