VisitAberdeenshire is continuing its work to attract holidaymakers to visit the north east of Scotland at the Icelandair Mid-Atlantic Tradeshow later this week. The tourism body will attend the event in Reykjavik from 26-29 January to meet with 40 tour operators to highlight what Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire have to offer leisure travellers.
Over 71% of Icelanders travel abroad every year, favouring city and shopping breaks. With the United Kingdom ranking second in a list of Icelanders’ top international travel destinations – and with regular flights from Reykjavik direct to Aberdeen International Airport – the north east is ideally located to cater for Icelandic visitors.
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Jenni Fraser, business development manager at VisitAberdeenshire, believes that Icelandair’s direct air links have significantly expanded the Icelandic travel market in the north east of Scotland. She says, “Since the link between Aberdeen International Airport and Keflavik Airport was launched last year, it has proved to be incredibly popular with travellers. Not only does it allow Icelanders easy access to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, but it also opens up the region to American travellers as Keflavik has links to several key airports in North America.”
The trip to the Icelandic capital follows a successful visit to the Oslo Tourism Fair earlier this month, at which VisitAberdeenshire was able to interact directly with Scandinavian holidaymakers. At the Mid-Atlantic Tradeshow, however, the focus will be on selling the destination to travel operators.
Jenni continues, “During the tradeshow we’ll be meeting with a number of key tourism industry professionals to spread the word about Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire’s world-class tourism facilities. Many Icelandic leisure travellers will be attracted by the fantastic city-centre hotels, which offer very reasonable rates for tourists looking to visit Aberdeen for a spot of shopping and culture.
“But city breaks aren’t all the region has to offer. With a golfing season of only three to four months, many of Iceland’s golfers look overseas. Being so accessible – and with so many internationally-renowned courses on our doorstep, including Royal Aberdeen – ensures that Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire are a real draw.
“While Icelandic travellers may be attracted by our shopping and golf offering, when they arrive they’ll soon discover that there’s so much more to the north east. From historic castles to whisky distilleries, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire are well equipped to offer Icelandic holidaymakers everything they’re looking for and more.”
