2012-10-09

WDC Scottish Dolphin Centre Wins Tourism Award

Whale and Dolphin Conservation’s Scottish Dolphin Centre picked up Marketing Campaign of the Year at the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards held at Drumossie Hotel in Inverness on 5th October.



The Awards recognise and reward tourism businesses of all sizes in the Highlands and Islands and the Scottish Dolphin Centre was rewarded for a marketing strategy that helped increase visitor numbers by a huge 39%, from 54,239 in 2009 to 75,585 in 2011.

The marketing campaign also helped to achieve a 4 star Visit Scotland grading by enhancing the visitor experience through new interactive cameras, interpretation boards, exhibitions, and friendly and informative guides.

The design of a clear visual style and identity in new promotional materials including Centre leaflets and posters also played their part in the Award, as did an increase in public profile through PR and media work, improvements in on-line presence, the promotion of sustainable tourism via WDC’s “See Dolphins Wild and Free” campaign, and the WDC land-based dolphin watching programmes.

“We are absolutely delighted to receive this award. It has been so rewarding to see how the work put into the marketing campaign has paid off, with not only a 4 star grading from Visit Scotland but also many more visitors coming to the Scottish Dolphin Centre to try to catch a glimpse of the amazing bottlenose dolphins.” said Alison Jordan, Centre manager.

WDC will now be put forward as regional finalists in the National Scottish Thistle Awards Scheme on Friday 9th November at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow.

Visit the Scottish Dolphin Centre
Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards