Winter ‘comes to life’ in Badenoch and Strathspey
Badenoch and Strathspey businesses are reporting a bumper start to the winter season, boosted by visitors from both the UK and abroad.
Led by Cairngorms Business Partnership, over 370 tourism firms are now working together to promote the park as the UK’s ‘original winter destination’.
The success has been trumpeted as part of the VisitCairngorms ‘Where Winter Comes to Life!’ campaign.
Rothiemurchus estate reports a strong November and December for its outdoor activities such as quad trekking and falconry.
Championed by Sir David Attenborough, Rothiemurchus confirms that the increase in visitors has been driven by people “seeking out quality time and enjoying the magic of the winter months”, buoyed in part by some milder and settled weather conditions.
Landmark Forest Adventure Park in Carrbridge said its ancient forest Twi-LIGHTS attraction, as featured by the Strathy on its launch, with its 100,000 lights and striking visual effects, has seen strong attendance since it opened its doors on November 23rd.
Lisa Anderson, marketing and sales manager at Landmark, said it was expected that the light installation, which resumes in February after being open during the festive period, will at 10,000 visitors more than double the 4,000 attendees last year.
Rothiemurchus by Aviemore and Landmark Forest Adventure Park in Carrbridge report that the majority of overnight visits and day trips in the area since the winter season officially started have been by people from Scotland and the rest of the UK, but there has also been a jump in the number of international visitors as the season has lengthened.
Aviemore’s Rowan Tree Country Hotel has seen more European tourists, especially French, Dutch, and German.
The success is emanating from the collaboration engendered by the Visit Cairngorms ‘Where Winter Comes to Life!’ campaign.
The initiative highlights reasons to visit and explore the Cairngorms National Park from October to the end of March, with a focus on outdoor adventure, wildlife and nature, health and wellbeing, food and drink, culture and heritage.
Angharad Gronbach, at Rothiemurchus, said: “We’ve got so many businesses here that are actually strengthened in the winter, and teaming up is increasingly key to us all really making the most of this season.”
Craig Mills, chief executive of Cairngorms Business Partnership, said: “It’s great to see the winter season get off to such a great start for local tourism and hospitality firms.
“They are increasingly showing great creativity, initiative, and teamwork in maximising their high-quality winter offerings, while more consumers are realising the benefits of travelling to the UK’s largest National Park at this time of year.
“The Cairngorms come into their own in the winter in many ways - the views alone, many dusted in snow, are incredible - and we look forward to seeing further increased business in the coming months.”
What do you think? Is business good this winter? Let us know at editorial@sbherald.co.uk
