Television star Lorraine Kelly has backed a major new crowdfunding campaign that will help promote Dundee as a tourist destination.
The star appears in a new video for VisitDundee, which is seeking to raise £20,000 to help showcase the City of Discovery as a short break destination.
She said: “Dundee is a city that’s very dear to my heart and, as we know, attracting attention locally and globally.
“There is so much going on and so much to offer: great food bars, music, fantastic places to stay, a buzzing arts scene and wonderful cultural attractions, the latest of which is the V&A.
“VisitDundee will take all that Dundee has to offer and package it for different tourist audiences with an emphasis on short breaks.
“The idea is to persuade the hundreds of thousands of visitors set to come to the new V&A to explore the rest of the city as well.”
VisitDundee aims to harness Dundee’s popularity as a tourist destination and turn increased footfall into short stays in the city.
The idea is to spread the economic impact of the V&A to hotels, restaurants, shops and other tourist attractions so the whole city and surrounding area benefits from the opening of the £80.1 million museum.
The endeavour has the support of a range of organisations including Dundee Heritage Trust, Dundee Rep, accountancy firm Henderson Loggie and learning and development company Insights.
Scottish Government culture secretary Fiona Hyslop and SNP city development convener Councillor Lynne Short are also backing the project.
Paul Jennings, chairman of the newly formed VisitDundee board and executive director of Dundee Heritage Trust, added: “This is about celebrating Dundee, a city many of us are proud of and want to be successful.
“I believe everyone wants good things for Dundee and to see it portrayed in the best way possible. That’s why we encourage people to support our crowdfunding efforts and VisitDundee’s aim to encourage tourists to extend their stay and explore what Dundee has to offer.”
Mr Jennings added: “Funds will be used to develop and promote campaigns that directly target the short break market.
“We will work closely with organisations like VisitScotland to target these at key audiences who we know are likely to be interested in a visit to Dundee.”
