It is “vital” hoteliers play their part in ensuring tourism in some of Scotland’s “most iconic locations” can be sustained year-round, a senior figure in the nation’s “Town of the Year” has declared.
The rallying call on “winter tourism” comes from Marc Gardner, general manager of Oban Bay Hotel, who highlighted the importance of this to seaside towns such as Oban.
Mr Gardner highlighted alliances forged by Oban Bay Hotel, which is part of Crerar Hotel Group, with businesses in the West Highland town as well as other efforts to attract visitors year-round.
Oban was late last month named Town of the Year in the Scotland Loves Local Awards 2024.
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Mr Gardner is “hoping to put the spotlight on Oban as the colder months begin”, following the town winning this accolade.
The hotelier, who has been general manager of Oban Bay on Corran Esplanade for nearly five years, said: “Oban is a vibrant, busy tourist hub in the summer with guests visiting the Inner and Outer Hebrides from around the globe, as well as being an ideal base for those exploring the west coast. The town benefits from [UK] tourism during the nicer months. However, as the colder, darker nights begin to draw in, the town gets quieter, and we see a dip in visitors.
“Despite the change in seasons, Oban still has so much to offer to those looking for an authentic Scottish getaway. In fact, we do get guests staying looking for a true Scottish experience - including the weather.”
He added: “Very often Scottish tourism is regarded to be seasonal-centric to the summer months, but it is vital that hoteliers such as ourselves play our part in ensuring tourism in some of Scotland’s most iconic locations can sustain all year round and visitors can continue to enjoy the very best experience available.”
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Crerar Hotel Group said: “Oban, commonly known as the ‘Gateway to the Isles’, is a popular seaside resort, and particularly busy during summer with tourists and locals alike. However, as autumn and winter draws in, the town changes dramatically and occupancy for Oban Bay Hotel and other accommodation providers [experiences] a significant seasonal drop.”
It added: "Oban, like many other seaside resorts, is dramatically quieter outwith the summer months."
Mr Gardner, who observed that some accommodation providers in Oban close over the winter, noted the hotel worked closely with local businesses.
He flagged Oban Bay’s offering of a “sea safari” package.
Mr Gardner also highlighted the fact the hotel worked closely with Oban Distillery on Stafford Street, which is owned by drinks giant Diageo.
And he flagged its offering of “murder mystery weekends”, and “winter wellness” packages.
He said: “Unfortunately some accommodation providers close due to the fact that the demand is small in Oban at this time of year. However, we’re aiming to boost visitor numbers by creating exclusive experiences. It’s also important to work hand in hand with other local businesses so our guests can take full advantage of everything Oban has to offer.
“We work closely with Oban Distillery which now remains open all year long too - it’s one of the many attractions we recommend to our guests who are visiting for the first time.”
Mr Gardner added: “This year we’re launching our winter experience breaks and an exciting calendar of Christmas and New Year offers to entice people to visit our small corner of the world. After all, Oban is such a special place. It feels like a world away from everyday life, no matter what month it is.
“At Crerar Hotels, we take pride in embracing the season by offering our ‘coorie In’ package which you can book at Oban Bay Hotel or one of our sister properties - it’s all about making the most of Scotland’s great outdoors during the colder months before returning to the hotel to ‘coorie in’ by a roaring fire.”
Mr Gardner described this as “an especially exciting time” for Oban following its award win.
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