VisitDundee launches

VisitDundee, a new tourism venture for Dundee and Angus, launched today with widespread backing and a pledge to make tourism "a'body's business".

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.

VisitDundee has the support of Dundee Heritage Trust, DCA, Dundee Rep, 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.

With a fun poke at the catchprase of Dundee's favourite cartoon character, Oor Wullie, VisitDundee and its supporters promised to make tourism "a'body's business".

Lynne Short, convener of Dundee City Council's city development committee, said:
"As one of the people charged with supporting and encouraging tourism in the city I am delighted that the business community in the form of VisitDundee has come together to help highlight that it is a'body's business.

"We all have a part to play and in this special year for Dundee everyone pulling together to provide quality services, attractions and accommodation for visitors as well as shouting with me from the rooftops about our city means we are definitely going places."

Paul Jennings, chairman of the newly formed VisitDundee board and executive director of Dundee Heritage Trust, said:
"The aim of VisitDundee is to take the hundreds of thousands of tourists who are set to visit the city and encourage them to explore the rest of Dundee too. We want them to stick around for one or two nights, and make the most of our restaurants, cafes, accommodation providers and other visitor attractions. We want to take the tourism splash that is going to hit Dundee and make sure the economic ripples are felt throughout the whole city and region."

Jennings said he was "thrilled" to already have such widespread backing from the business community, as well as the endorsement of VisitScotland, Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Government. He added that organisations such as VisitScotland, Henderson Loggie, Thorntons Law, MTC Media, Volpa, Insights Learning & Development and professional videographer Dylan Drummond had already lent their support and pro bono work to VisitDundee and to creating its website, visitdundee.com. "Already this is a huge community effort. We look forward to sharing our plans as we move this exciting new venture forward and welcome further interest in helping us put Dundee on the map," said Jennings.

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, said:
"I am pleased to welcome the establishment of Visit Dundee at what is a very exciting time for the city and wider Angus area, particularly with the opening of the V&A in Dundee, and the 2018 Open being held at Carnoustie. I am sure that this new partnership between the public and private sectors will help to maximise the many opportunities that lie ahead."

Jim Clarkson, VisitScotland Regional Partnerships Director, said:
"2018 has the potential to be a game-changer for tourism in the East of Scotland. This is a truly unique opportunity to show the world the outstanding tourism offering of Dundee & Angus. It's fantastic to see so many local businesses and organisations behind this new venture, VisitDundee. The industry, with support from VisitScotland and many other partners, is pulling together, ready to capitalise on the growing interest in the area. The onus now is on inspiring visitors to spend more and stay longer when they come to the region. The major developments planned for the city will not just benefit Dundee but will undoubtedly cause a ripple effect bringing visitors to Angus and the rest of the East of Scotland."

For more information go to www.visitdundee.com