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Orkney is the place to see...
An impressive 95% of visitors would recommend Orkney as a holiday destination.
...and tourists would highly recommend a visit.
An overwhelming 95% of visitors would recommend Orkney as a holiday destination, and nearly 50% of tourist visitors when asked said they were likely to return.
These encouraging figures come from a recently released report commissioned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), Orkney Islands Council and Visit Orkney.
According to the research, carried out over a full year by AB Associates of Shetland, the main reason for visiting the islands is for a holiday although business tourism has also increased. The area is the destination of choice for an increasing number of Scots, particularly couples on a second holiday. The majority of Orkney’s visitors are aged 45 and above, and most – over 80% - come from the UK.
Orkney has seen a growth in tourist visitor numbers of 18% since 2005 to nearly 142,000 people and an increase in spend, in real terms, of 13% to almost £32 million.
Over 50% of visitors to Orkney took part in sightseeing and touring and the beaches and coastal scenery rated highly. Other areas of interest included archaeology and prehistoric sites, the people and island life. Satisfaction levels are extremely high with 95% of visitors stating that their holiday met their expectations, and 32% of these claiming that their expectations were exceeded.
To find out more, check the latest press releasesfrom the Council.
Adverse Weather School Closures
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What's New?
Rediscover your library
Visits by leading Scottish crime writers, stories and crafts with Britt Harcus and live music from Douglas Montgomery and young musicians are just some of the fun on offer during Discovery Week at the Orkney Library and Archive, which kicks off on Thursday March 4 - World Book Day. More details...
Looking for financial help with a community project?
If you have ideas for a community project and are looking for help with the costs, come along to drop-in sessions in March and find out about funding available through LEADER. More information...
Survey on child care and activities for young people
The Childcare Partnership and Orkney Islands Council are asking parents and young people to help plan activities and care for children in the county by completing two online surveys - one about childcare needs, and the other about the types of activities children and young people in Orkney take part in or would like to see started up in the county. More information...
Orkney's housing demands
Orkney Islands Council has published a draft report on the County's housing demands, and the public are invited to comment. For information, visit our Consultation section.
Seasonal Flu - Protect yourself and others
If you are eligible for a free seasonal flu vaccination, get yours now. Free vaccinations against seasonal flu are available for people over 65 and over, and for people in certain risk categories. Don't understimate seasonal flu - to find out more and to see if you are eligible for a free flu jab, visit the Scottish Government's flu information website.
Mexican Swine Flu
NHS is recommending that anyone with flu symptoms should stay at home and seek telephone advice from their GP or from NHS24 on 08454 242 424. For useful information relating to the Mexican Swine Flu, including preparing your business for staff shortages, view our Precaution in case of Pandemic webpage .
