A major new campaign designed to get people across the north-east visiting local attractions has been launched.
Rediscover Your Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire is specifically targeted towards locals, encouraging them to explore sites and attractions right on their doorstep – perhaps finding some hidden gems and rediscovering old stomping grounds.
VisitAberdeenshire has launched the campaign to coincide with the further easing of lockdown which now allow people to travel more freely. It is hoped it will also be a welcome boost for local restaurants hotels and tourism businesses.
There will be a special page on the website with a log of attractions and businesses.
Visitors are also being urged to get involved in the initiative – and help buoy the local economy – by taking pictures of the spots they visit and posting them on social media, tagging #RediscoverABDN and @visitabdn
Chris Foy, chief executive of the VisitAberdeenshire, said: “We are pleased to partner with the DC Thomson group on our Rediscover your Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire campaign.
“Today marks an important milestone in the reopening of some tourism businesses in the region. This is an important step, but we have some way to go.
“Local businesses need the support of the people of the north-east more than ever as they ease out of lockdown.”
The campaign – involving involving The Press & Journal, Evening Express, Society and Original 106 – will have its own dedicated section on the VisitAberdeenshire website, where people can explore blogs with ideas for things to do.
Businesses listed on the website will have an “open for business” tag, allowing visitors to see what’s available to them.
Mr Foy added: “The DC Thomson titles will provide some excellent north-east experiences to explore over the coming days and we’re also encouraging readers to share images of their favourite spots with the #RediscoverABDN tag, to celebrate the very best of our region we call home.”
P&J editor-in-chief Frank O’Donnell said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has changed all of our lives – but not all of it is bad. While some will miss their foreign holiday it’s also an opportunity to spend more time in our own wonderful country.
“There’s so much to discover as well as old favourites to visit again. When we look back I think many of us will have gained a fresh appreciation of what Scotland has to offer.”
Evening Express editor Craig Walker added: “As lockdown restrictions are relaxed and more of the north-east reopens for visitors, it’s important to show our support to businesses in every corner of the region.
“That means getting out and exploring the incredibly beautiful countryside that Aberdeenshire has to offer. As long as everyone follows the rules of social distancing and behaves responsibly, these hospitality and tourism businesses need not suffer any longer.”
For more information, visit visitabdn.com
Social Media Campaign
VisitAberdeenshire, The Press and Journal, Evening Express, Society and Original 106 are encouraging people to share an image of their favourite part of the north-east throughout the #RediscoverABDN campaign. To take part, simply follow the steps below:
- Take a picture of your favourite north-east attraction, venue, product or landmark
- Upload the image to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter including the hashtag #RediscoverABDN and tag @visitabdn
Social Distancing Guidelines
When visiting these locations, it’s important to adhere to the social distancing guidelines currently in place across Scotland – with regards to outdoor activities. These guidelines are below.
- People can meet in groups of up to 15 people outdoors, from up to five different households, including your own household. However, children aged 0-11 should not meet in groups larger than 15 people in total at a time.
- Keep two metres apart from anyone you meet from outside your household, and don’t share food or utensils.
- You should not meet with more than four different households per day, whether indoors or outdoors.
- Follow physical distancing guidance and hygiene rules.
- There is now no restriction on travel within Scotland as long as individuals are acting in line with all other guidance that supports the route map.
All guidelines can be viewed at www.gov.scot