Destination Orkney is in the running for a major tourism award recognising its partnership work on an innovative marketing campaign aimed at attracting visitors to the islands for short weekend breaks.
The organisation, which represents around 500 tourism businesses in Orkney, has been shortlisted in the Working Together for Tourism category of the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards 2019 (HITA), following the successful delivery of its See You at the Weekend campaign.
The campaign received significant funding and support through the VisitScotland Growth Fund, and was part funded by Destination Orkney and Orkney Islands Council (OIC). The project was also supported by the LEADER funded Digital Media Orkney project, managed by OIC and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
Running over autumn 2018 and spring 2019, See You at the Weekend promoted Orkney as a great short break destination, with five themed itineraries and films covering Orkney’s Viking and wartime history, the landscapes and seascapes of the islands, Orkney’s World Heritage site, and the work of local food, drink and crafts producers. A key platform for delivery of the campaign was the Orkney.com website.
Local tourism businesses provided seasonal offers as part of the campaign, which also included visits to the islands by leading social media influencers.
Winners across 14 HITA categories will be announced at a special ceremony in Inverness’ Kingsmills Hotel on Friday, 1 November.
Elaine Tulloch, chief executive of Destination Orkney, said: “We’re really delighted to be recognised and shortlisted for this award. It’s a great testament to our staff, our local partnership, the VisitScotland Growth Fund team and our members, as well as Digital Media Orkney and our supportive delivery partners, who have all worked hard to ensure such a successful See You At the Weekend campaign.
“This campaign was created to encourage more visitors to Orkney during the quieter shoulder months of the year, in spring and autumn, and to grow our short breaks market. It was also a great opportunity to develop new itinerary ideas to encourage visitors to travel throughout the islands. Given the success of the previous promotion, we’re delighted to be up and running with the campaign again this autumn. We’re very much looking forward to the awards in November and wish all the finalists the best of luck.”
Destination Orkney's 'See You at the Weekend' campaign is back from 2019/20 - visit our special page to view a range of travel ideas and itineraries, as well as a wide selection of accommodation and touring offers.
The Digital Media Orkney project has been part financed by the Scottish Government and the European Community Orkney LEADER 2014-2020