VisitDundee, the new tourism venture launched to promote the city as a short break destination, has received worldwide support for its crowdfunding appeal.
Among the organisations and individuals who have pledged support are Ninja Kiwi, a video game developer based in New Zealand with close links to Dundee. Two of Ninja Kiwi's directors used to run Dundee-based games developer Digital Goldfish.
"We fully support this idea and great work so far!" said a spokesperson for Ninja Kiwi of the £20,000 VisitDundee crowdfunding appeal. The appeal, launched by TV personality Lorraine Kelly, has raised more than £2000 and has just six days to go.
Among others who have recently endorsed VisitDundee are actor Brian Cox and VisitScotland's Chair Lord Thurso. Brian stopped by to congratulate VisitDundee on a recent trip to his hometown.
VisitDundee, formed by a group of private businesses and individuals, aims to harness Dundee's popularity as a tourist destination and turn increased footfall into short stays in the city. The idea is to spread the economic impact to bed nights, meals, transport, retail and visitor attractions - and to benefit the whole city and surrounding area.
Launched with the message that Dundee's tourism is ‘a'body's business', VisitDundee has the support of Dundee Heritage Trust, Dundee Rep, Dundee Contemporary Arts, accountancy firm Henderson Loggie, Dundee City Councillor Lynne Short, Leisure and Culture Dundee, Volpa, MTC Media, and Insights Learning & Development. Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, also gave the venture a thumbs-up. Its early financial backers include law firm Thorntons, Dundee & Angus Visitor Accommodation Association (DAVAA) and James Keiller Estates.
Paul Jennings, Chairman of the newly formed VisitDundee board and executive director of Dundee Heritage Trust, said the money raised in the crowdfunding appeal would be used to develop and promote campaigns that directly target the short break market.
"We will work closely with organisations like VisitScotland to target campaigns at key audiences who we know are likely to be interested in a visit to Dundee," he said, adding that the crowdfunding is just one element in "a much wider drive to raise funds".
"Dundee's tourism and its future touch everyone who lives and works here so it really is everyone's business. We thank the donors who have already come forward, and I would encourage anyone who is passionate about the city to join them and donate whatever they can to help," said Paul.
For more information go to www.visitdundee.com
Visit the crowdfunding page here: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/visitdundee-making-tourism-everyones-business
Dundee Contemporary Arts
Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA) is an internationally renowned centre for contemporary art and registered charity that enables audiences, artists and participants to see, experience and create through our four programme areas: exhibitions, cinema, print studio and learning.
Cunningly Good Group
A highly experienced blended agency with experts in strategy, communications, design and websites.
Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre Limited
Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre Limited is rooted in making work for and with a diverse local audience while strengthening its national and international reputation. The theatre is a national cultural asset which the people of Dundee feel ownership over and in which they can take enormous pride.
Leisure & Culture Dundee
Leisure and Culture Dundee is a company based out of 50 North Lindsay Street, Dundee, Scotland
Henderson Loggie
Chartered Accountants, Tax and Business Advisors based in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Thorntons Law
Thorntons is a legal firm made up of individuals whose skills and knowledge encompass much more than the law.
Insights Learning & Development Ltd
Insights is a global learning and development company working in partnership with leading organisations across the world. Our transformational learning solutions are supported by our extensive portfolio of customisable products and services. This portfolio, delivered by Insights' world-wide team of exceptional and inspirational people enables our clients to experience inspiring learning solutions that enhance relationships, improve performance and change personal and professional lives forever. We have a presence in over 20 countries across the world and a suite of materials that are available in 30 different languages.
Dundee City Council
Dundee draws skilled workers from a 60-minute catchment population of 640,000 and has a local population of over 140,000. The availability of a large pool of highly skilled labour is a key feature in the Dundee economy. Flexibility in the labour force is currently more prevalent in Dundee than in Scotland as a whole. All forms of labour market flexibility - part-time, temporary employment, self-employment and shift work - are widely operational within the city. Labour force stability in the city is excellent, enabling companies to plan with confidence. Labour turnover levels are less than 5% and absenteeism averages 2%.
