NEW ERA FOR PROMOTION OF NORTH-EAST AS BUSINESS TOURISM DESTINATION

Aberdeen Convention Bureau is to close its doors on August 31, amid a new era for global promotion of the North-east as a business tourism destination.

Business tourism will remain a top priority for the city's new destination marketing organisation (DMO) Visit Aberdeen and Aberdeen City Council, along with support from VisitScotland's Business Tourism Unit.

Shona Anderson, VisitScotland's Regional Director for Aberdeen City and Shire, said it was always the intention for the DMO to lead on business tourism for Aberdeen.

"Aberdeen's profile as a business tourism destination is now higher than ever, thanks to developments such as the Trump International Golf Links, new air routes and new hotel brands that have been attracted to the city," she said.

Aberdeen Convention Bureau has been responsible for proactively promoting Aberdeen City and Shire to attract new conferences to the region, organising and hosting site inspection visits with invited conference organisers.

Visit Aberdeen is a cross-sector partnership, supported by Aberdeen City Council, and has the key objectives of stimulating partnership working, improving the product of the city for the visitor and marketing Aberdeen to identified target audiences.

Its board is chaired by Colin Crosby and includes representatives from the Aberdeen Business Improvement District (BID), Aberdeen City and Shire Hotels Association, Aberdeen City Council and independent members.

A spokesperson for Visit Aberdeen said that "securing additional non-discretionary business tourism will be a key objective for Visit Aberdeen".