To make the most of the market opportunity, it’s important to work in partnership to provide high-quality onshore visitor experiences that make Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire stand out as a ‘must see, must visit’ destination. Importantly, there is a need to combine this with world-class customer service once visitors arrive in port.
To help the city get cruise ready for 2024, Port of Aberdeen and VisitAberdeenshire are hosting free, hybrid stakeholder sessions from 2pm - 4pm on 21 February and 6 March. The events will share updates on the upcoming cruise season and how local businesses, tourist attractions, and communities can capitalise on the growth in cruise tourism.
You can register for the events on Port of Aberdeen’s Eventbrite and links to further information are provided below:
Success stories from 2023 include the expansion of Aberdeen Whisky Shop to accommodate whisky tasting for cruise tourists and St Machar’s Cathedral, which experienced a 40% uplift to 42,000 visitors, along with a 50% increase in donations and shop takings.
Chris Foy, CEO, VisitAberdeenshire, said: “The growth in calls for 2024 is a vote of confidence in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire as an emerging cruise destination. VisitAberdeenshire is scaling up its work to enhance the welcome offered to passengers, the readiness of local suppliers and to secure more business from cruise operators and shore excursion companies.”
Bob Sanguinetti, CEO, Port of Aberdeen said: “We’re confident that our world-class facility, coupled with the amazing destination, will position Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire as one of the UK’s top cruise destinations.”