Top Highland attractions in discount ticket offer
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Highlanders have a chance to sample some of the region's top tourist attractions at a knock down price with the launch of a new discount offer from VisitScotland.
The 50 per discount offer will enable visitors to enjoy a day out at a special low price up to the value of £20 per ticket.
Among the businesses and attractions which have received funding to subsidise ticket costs are Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre, Highland Wildlife Park at Kincraig, TreeZone Aerial Adventure Course near Aviemore, Woodlands Activity Centre, Rothiemurchus Land Rover Safaris, Tours, Osprey Photography and Wildlife Watching, the Loch Ness Centre and North Coast Watersports in Caithness.
Administered by VisitScotland on behalf of the Scottish Government, the Days Out Incentive Fund is aimed at supporting tourism recovery by providing a boost for visitor attractions, day tour excursions and outdoor wildlife and adventure activities during the quieter winter months.
Businesses are still able to apply for the Days Out Incentive Fund which is open until the end of November.
The project is supported by a print, broadcast and online media campaign which will run until February 18, 2022, to inspire Scots to get out and explore the country on a day out or short break.
A dedicated Great Days Out in Scotland landing page on VisitScotland’s website will direct visitors to businesses participating in the incentive scheme, as well as showcase the vast range of paid and free visitor attractions, adrenaline-filled outdoor adventures and food and drink experiences on offer throughout the country during the winter.
Scotland's tourism minister Ivan McKee said: “With the loss of many international tourists this year due to the pandemic, the launch of the Great Days Out in Scotland campaign will increase local visitor numbers and provide a vital boost to Scotland’s world-class tourism attractions over the quieter winter months.
“Scotland’s tourism industry is one of the jewels of our economy and as we begin to carefully emerge and recover from the pandemic, we must work with the tourism industry to seize Scotland’s potential and build an economy for everyone by delivering greater, greener and fairer prosperity.”
Chris Taylor, VisitScotland regional leadership director, said: “The loss of international visitors over the past year has had a major impact on visitor attractions, tours and activity providers in the Highlands.
“Our regional tourism and events sector needs the support of people living in Scotland. The Great Days Out in Scotland campaign will help inspire people to brighten up their winter days by taking part in a day out with family or friends at one of the many fascinating visitor attractions or experiences on offer across the region.
"The campaign delivered in partnership with the Days Out incentive fund will help generate income for this sector during the quieter months, helping to rebuild consumer confidence as well as supplement our key domestic market recovery activity.
“Tourism is a force for good, creating economic and social value in every corner of Scotland and enhancing wellbeing. Tourism makes the country richer, economically and socially, and without it, Scotland would be a much poorer place.”
David Bremner, director of the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition, added: “Now that tourism in Scotland and the Highlands is back in full flow, we hope to welcome many guests both new and returning over the coming months. The VisitScotland Days Out Incentive fund and campaign is an excellent opportunity for visitor attractions to be able to remain open over the quieter months which is vital in promoting Scotland as a year-round destination’
The project is part of the £25million tourism recovery programme announced by the First Minister in March 2021. The recovery proposals were developed by the Scottish Tourism Emergency Response Group (STERG) in collaboration with members of the Tourism Task Force.
It has been developed with input from the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA) to help support the recovery of the tourism industry.
To search for businesses taking part in the scheme and for further inspiration on great days out across Scotland, visit: www.visitscotland.com/greatdaysout
Visitor attractions, day tour excursions and activity providers still have an opportunity to benefit from the Great Days Out in Scotland campaign. The Days Out Incentive Fund is open for new applications until 5pm on Tuesday, November 30.
See www.visitscotland.org/supporting-your-business/funding/days-out-incentive-fund for information on guidance and eligibility criteria.
Scotrail will also be running a Buy One, Get One Free ticket offer in November, which can be used in conjunction with the Great Days Out in Scotland campaign. The train operator is launching a Buy One Get One Free offer from 14 November which will last for two weeks and will be valid for travel from Sunday to Thursday.
