Orkney’s archipelago of diverse islands has much to offer and tourism is a major industry, worth £32 million annually to the Orkney economy. It supports a wealth of jobs in services including hotels and guest houses, restaurants and cafes, shops and the arts and crafts industries and jewellers for which Orkney is famous.

Attractions that draw people here include Orkney’s archaeological treasures and UNESCO World Heritage Site which are unsurpassed anywhere in the UK. Its thousands of seabirds and seals, rare flora, stunning coastline, friendliness of its people and the traditional way of life lost elsewhere are unique features. The attractive towns and villages and the islands’ many festivals during a busy calendar of events ensure its vibrancy and visitor numbers.  The many art galleries including the award-winning Pier Arts Centre put Orkney on the cultural map.  During the agricultural show season in August and the St Magnus Festival in June the islands are full to capacity.  The ease of access by plane and boat increase Orkney’s popularity as a holiday destination. And people from across the world arrive by cruise ship and are met by guides for a unique experience they will not find anywhere else. Kirkwall was voted the UK’s best cruise ship port of call in 2010.

Visit Orkney promotes the islands as a destination and can book accommodation.  The Orkney Tourism Group represents businesses offering visitor services and there are isles tourism associations too with detailed knowledge about their communities.