TOURISM businesses in Deeside and Donside are expecting a busy year as the strength of the euro makes the North-east an attractive destination for event organisers and holidaymakers.
As the pound slides closer to parity with the euro, Royal Deeside and Cairngorms Destination Management Organisation (DMO) have predicted this could benefit the area.
This follows recent reports from the Association of British Travel Agents that t
he sterling slump could force families to take fewer holidays abroad.
John Carnie, Tourism Development Manager of the DMO, said: "The current strength of the euro should make Scotland and the North-east a very attractive destination for tourists across Europe, due to greater value for money.
"Domestic tourists, who may traditionally holiday abroad, may now be looking to holiday at home as the purse strings are tightened."
This positive news comes just a fortnight after the Piper revealed how the area's two ski centres - the Lecht and Glenshee - are also hoping to cash-in on an increase in snowsports enthusiasts opting to stay closer to home due to the pound's weakness against the euro.
This could mean that some families who were considering jetting off on an overseas alpine break in the new year may now decide to stay in the UK.
Mr Carnie said results from a recent survey commissioned by VisitScotland and published in December were also encouraging. It found that visitors to Scotland are becoming increasingly pleased with what is on offer, with 97% saying they were satisfied with their holiday and 79% very satisfied - a seven-point increase on last year's results.
Visitors from England and Wales, the US, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden - and Scots holidaying at home - took part in the summer survey.
Amongst the most popular activities for visitors from the UK were general sightseeing, short walks and exploring the Scottish scenery. Foreign visitors also enjoyed general sightseeing as well as visiting cities, castles and historic palaces.
"These activities chime perfectly for Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms," said Mr Carnie. "We also have a major city - Aberdeen - on our doorstep.
"We are working with VisitScotland to identify overseas markets, and countries such as Germany, France and Spain will be crucial in this regard.
"The new Norfolkline ferry service between Rosyth and Zeebrugge which is to begin sailing again from May should also be looked upon as an opportunity.
"Maintaining direct connections with major European markets is vital for Scotland and the fact that the arrival point is on the north side of the Forth is positive for the North-east."
Royal Deeside is also gearing itself up to promote the best of what the area offers as part of the Homecoming 2009 celebrations - part of a year of celebration of all things Scottish.
Key events include Royal Deeside Golf Week, Balmoral Pipe Band Championship, Aboyne Highland games and March of North-east clans, Ballater Highland Games, the Lonach Highland Gathering and the Braemar Gathering.
Mr Carnie said the list was growing and new events were being planned.
Garry Marsden, Visitor Enterprises Manager at Balmoral, and also a Director of the DMO said: "Tourism businesses in the area are working together to highlight and promote the things to see and do and places to visit to help counteract the credit crunch. That way, we can offer the visitor a more joined-up experience, where they are not just sampling one aspect of Deeside hospitality but getting a flavour of all that is on offer throughout the national park area.
"By creating new events, such as the Balmoral Pipe Band Championships, and linking it to Homecoming, we are creating an enhanced product for the area which should appeal to domestic, as well as overseas visitors."
Derek and June McCulloch, who own the Lodge on the Loch at Aboyne, believe more people will consider staying in Scotland this year instead of holidaying abroad which will, in turn, increase the 'short-break' potential for holidays in Deeside.
"We feel there is a good opportunity to capture the domestic tourists, who may traditionally holiday abroad," said Mr McCulloch. "We are beginning to see signs that more people will look to holiday at home as the purse strings are tightened.
"It is our priority to develop our services to ensure that visitors to Deeside have a world class experience. Encouraging repeat business is also a significant factor in securing future business, which can add value to tourism products."
Alan Melrose, of WalkDeeside Ltd, based in Dinnet, agreed.
"Our walking holidays are booking well for January and we are finding that more domestic tourists are wanting to discover what is on their own doorstep, so to speak, and to explore the attractions of Scotland and the Deeside and Cairngorms area with its rivers, forests, mountains and wildlife.
"Scotland is seen by many as the wildlife tourism capital of Europe and I fully expect to see an upsurge in visitors from mainland Europe coming to Scotland and WalkDeeside to have a genuine wildlife experience.
"Much of our growth is due to repeat business, with many guests returning several times and those that have visited telling friends and family about their experiences, further encouraging more people to book in."
Andrew Cox, owner of the Loch Kinord Hotel, in Dinnet, anticipated more Scottish customers visiting this year as part of the Homecoming celebrations, as well as the credit crunch.
"Attention to detail and providing our guests with a high-quality stay are key priorities for us, " he said. "This has encouraged other visitors to come to book with us and, because of our high standards, we have many guests who return year on year".
For more information on Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms DMO, visit: www.discoverroyaldeeside.com
