We recently welcomed Harris Bokhari OBE, Chair of VisitBritain, to be part of our Board meeting in Aberdeen, highlighting the strength and importance of partnership working between our two organisations.
Collaboration between VisitScotland and VisitBritain plays a vital role in driving demand for Scotland and growing the visitor economy across the UK.
Recent joint activity has included:
Scotland has also featured prominently in VisitBritain’s Starring GREAT Britain screen tourism campaign.
The blockbuster-inspired launch film took audiences on a cinematic journey across Britain, showcasing iconic scenes filmed in Scotland, including Harry Potter and Fast & Furious, alongside experiences visitors can enjoy, such as mountain biking, yoga, and heritage train journeys.
VisitScotland CEO, Vicki Miller, chats to Helen Fothergill, Service Manager at Aberdeen Art Gallery. Credit: Kim Walton
To make the most of Mr Bokhari’s visit, we curated a short but immersive programme, showcasing the very best of Scotland’s visitor economy in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, with a particular focus on Royal Deeside.
The visit offered the opportunity to experience world-class Scottish hospitality, explore iconic attractions, and meet some of the region’s most innovative and award-winning businesses.
Mr Bokhari was joined by our own Chair, Stephen Leckie, Chief Executive, Vicki Miller, and Regional Director, David Jackson, for a behind-the-scenes tour of P&J Live, the largest event complex in the north of Scotland.
This was followed by a meeting with the Chief Executive of VisitAberdeenshire, the region's destination management organisation.
After joining the Board for lunch, Mr Bokhari explored Aberdeen's cultural offering, beginning with a curator-led tour of Aberdeen Art Gallery. This was followed by a Nuart street art festival tour with Aberdeen Inspired, bringing the city’s creativity and character to life.
That evening, Mr Bokhari joined Board members, senior VisitScotland colleagues, and key corporate stakeholders, including Aberdeenshire Council, the Scottish Tourism Alliance, and Aberdeen City & Shire Hoteliers Association, for dinner at The Chester Hotel.
The event provided the opportunity to hear directly from industry partners and further strengthen relationships across the sector.
On day two, Mr Bokhari headed into Royal Deeside, accompanying David Jackson for a tour and meeting at the Fife Arms Hotel and Art Farm in Braemar, celebrating local creativity and craftsmanship.
The visit continued with a stop at Trump International for a tour of its courses and facilities, followed by visits to Balmoral Castle and Crathes Castle near Banchory.
Harris Bokhari OBE (left) on a tour of Aberdeen Art Gallery. Credit: Kim Walton
It was a privilege to welcome Harris Bokhari to our Board meeting in Aberdeen. His visit provided a valuable opportunity to showcase the strength, creativity, and diversity of tourism across the northeast of Scotland.
Partnership working is central to our work to grow the visitor economy. VisitBritain is a key strategic partner as we work together to drive sustainable growth and international demand for Scotland and Britain.
The VisitScotland team organised a brilliant programme, giving me a valuable opportunity to visit, listen, and learn from so many businesses, stakeholders, and attractions across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
It was fantastic to experience first-hand the wonderful welcome, incredible landscapes, the world-class hospitality, history, and culture, for which Scotland is so famous.
VisitBritain’s strategic partnerships with the nations, including VisitScotland, supports to deliver tourism growth for the UK.
It was great to also meet with the VisitScotland Board to discuss our work together to drive inbound visits and spend, including through VisitBritain’s Starring GREAT Britain screen tourism campaign and international trade events.
Thank you to VisitScotland’s Chairman Stephen Leckie, CEO Vicki Miller, and to everyone involved for a truly memorable visit.
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