Venture North announces plans for autumn and winter tourist campaign for Caithness and Sutherland
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Venture North has announced its plans to launch a new autumn and winter campaign for Caithness and Sutherland.
The initiative is being geared towards promoting reasons to visit and explore Caithness and Sutherland from October to March, showcasing areas that are less impacted by over-tourism.
Focusing on: health and wellbeing; active outdoors; heritage; wildlife and culture; and the luxury Highlands - the plan hopes to bring 'slow tourism' to the area.
Visitors can look forward to cosy retreats on the coast or in the countryside with a heart-warming menu of Highland food and drink.
Oldshoremore Retreats near Kinlochbervie, Golspie Inn, Newton Lodge near Kylesku, and Mackays Hotel in Wick are amongst the list of accommodation providers who have signed up to the campaign.
Angela Johnson, owner of Oldshoremore Retreats near Kinlochbervie in Sutherland, said:
“We only started Oldshoremore Retreats as a new business in May 2021, so it’s a great opportunity for us to be part of Venture North’s autumn and winter campaign and reaching new UK-wide audiences.
“We’re now offering Intensive Healing Retreats all year round, so it’s the perfect way to look after your health and wellbeing in Sutherland this autumn and winter.”
Visitors will also be encouraged to get off the beaten track to enjoy everything from winter walks, wild swimming and cycling, to surfing, fly fishing and guided wildlife-spotting adventures.
Assynt Fly Fishing, Hamlet Mountaineering and Sutherland Adventure Company are already part of the campaign.
Rhionna Mackay from the Sutherland Adventure Company, said:
“We’re really excited to be launching our new guided walks, hikes and cycle tours this autumn as part of Venture North campaign.
“Our guided outdoor activities are a great way for people to discover the hidden gems in our area with local guides and will help extend our season throughout the winter months.”
Dunnet Bay Distillery and the North West Highlands Geopark will also be offering the famous warm Highland welcome to visitors.
Cathy Earnshaw, destination strategy manager for Venture North, said: “There’s so much for visitors to see and do in Caithness and Sutherland during this quieter time of year, so we’re gearing up to showcase the best accommodation, visitor attractions, outdoor activities and events on offer from October to March, and beyond.
“As the destination management organisation for the region, we are continuing to help local businesses and communities through effective collaboration to maximise the benefits of the visitor economy.
“This includes an ongoing conversation around the staffing crisis and recruitment ahead of the autumn and winter season.”
