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| VisitOrkney | |
|---|---|
| Name | VisitOrkney |
| Type | Tourism promotion agency |
| Founded | 20th century |
| Headquarters | Kirkwall, Orkney Islands |
| Region served | Orkney |
VisitOrkney is the destination marketing and tourism development body for the Orkney Islands, a North Atlantic archipelago administered from Kirkwall and part of the historic Orkney Islands Council area. It works to promote Orkney alongside other Scottish and international destinations, liaising with bodies such as VisitScotland, Historic Environment Scotland, NatureScot, and the Highlands and Islands Enterprise to support heritage, culture, and hospitality sectors. The organisation coordinates with heritage sites, transport providers, and events organisers including St Magnus Cathedral, Skara Brae, Maeshowe, Scapa Flow, Birsay and Hoy stakeholders.
VisitOrkney's antecedents trace to local chamber of commerce initiatives and civic tourism committees in Kirkwall and Stromness that emerged during the 20th century alongside growth in North Sea shipping and heritage interest in sites like Skara Brae and Maeshowe. The body evolved through partnerships with national agencies such as VisitScotland and regional development actors like Highlands and Islands Enterprise following devolution linked to the Scotland Act 1998. Major influences on its strategy included international research from institutions such as the University of Aberdeen, University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow, and tourism planning by consultancies that worked on projects with Historic Environment Scotland and NatureScot. Post-2000 initiatives responded to rising interest from markets served via Aberdeen Airport, Kirkwall Airport, ferry routes like those of NorthLink Ferries and cruise operators docking in Stromness and Scapa Flow.
Governance arrangements involve partnerships with public and private sector bodies including the Orkney Islands Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, VisitScotland, and local businesses such as accommodation providers in Kirkwall and sightseeing operators on Hoy and Rousay. Strategic oversight aligns with regional plans prepared by the Orkney Islands Council and national policy frameworks established by Scottish Government ministries. VisitOrkney liaises with cultural institutions like St Magnus Centre, Orkney Museum, Orkney College UHI, and community heritage trusts such as those managing Yesnaby and Broch of Gurness. Industry representation includes trade associations like the British Hospitality Association and certification bodies such as VisitBritain and links to conservation NGOs including RSPB and Scottish Wildlife Trust.
VisitOrkney provides marketing, product development, and stakeholder coordination, running campaigns to attract visitors to heritage assets such as Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar, Maeshowe, and maritime heritage sites like Scapa Flow and Hoxa Head. It develops promotional content with media partners such as BBC, The Guardian, The Times, and travel platforms featuring itineraries around Stromness, Kirkwall, Hoy, Rousay, and Westray. Collaborative festivals and event promotion includes linking with organisers of the St Magnus International Festival, Orkney Folk Festival, Orkney Food Festival, and maritime commemorations involving heritage organisations like National Trust for Scotland. Campaigns target markets reached via transport providers including Loganair, NorthLink Ferries, P&O Ferries, and cruise firms operating from Lerwick and Aberdeen.
Key attractions promoted include Neolithic monuments Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar, Standing Stones of Stenness, and chambered cairns like Maeshowe as well as Norse heritage around St Magnus Cathedral, Tomb of St Magnus, and Viking sites on Mainland. Maritime history sites such as Scapa Flow, Hoxa Head, and wreck diving at MV Hampshire and WWI/WWII sites are highlighted alongside natural attractions like Hoy, Stromness Harbour, Yesnaby Cliffs, Sanday, Papa Westray, and birdwatching at RSPB Hoy and Skaill Bay. Events publicised include St Magnus International Festival, Orkney Folk Festival, agricultural shows at Stenness and Birsay, and local community events in parishes like Holm and Evie and Rendall.
VisitOrkney works with conservation partners including NatureScot, Scottish Natural Heritage, RSPB, Scottish Wildlife Trust, and Historic Environment Scotland to balance visitor access with protection of sites such as Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar, and seabird colonies on Hoy and North Ronaldsay. Initiatives include promotion of low-impact travel via Loganair flights, ferry services by NorthLink Ferries, and walking routes like the Orkney Coastal Path while coordinating with environmental assessments by bodies such as Marine Scotland and archaeological monitoring by the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. Sustainable tourism measures are aligned with national frameworks like the Scotland's Tourism Strategy and climate goals under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009.
Tourism supported by VisitOrkney contributes to employment in sectors represented by organisations such as the British Hospitality Association and regional employers including ferry operators NorthLink Ferries and airlines like Loganair. Economic assessments draw on data from VisitScotland and the Orkney Islands Council showing seasonal visitor flows to ports and airports including Kirkwall Airport, Scapa Flow marinas, and ferry terminals at Stromness and Harray. Visitor spending patterns affect accommodation businesses in Kirkwall and self-catering providers across Mainland, Westray, Sanday, and Stronsay, and support cultural institutions such as St Magnus Cathedral and Orkney Museum.
Practical visitor information is coordinated with transport providers Loganair, NorthLink Ferries, and local operators in Kirkwall and Stromness, and with agencies like VisitScotland for travel advice. Guidance covers access to heritage sites such as Skara Brae and Maeshowe, seasonal considerations for birdwatching on Hoy and North Ronaldsay, and accommodation booking through local chambers such as the Kirkwall Chamber of Commerce. Visitors are advised about dive operators in Scapa Flow, guided history tours referencing Viking heritage, and local culinary offerings promoted during the Orkney Food Festival.
Category:Tourism in Orkney