Macdonald Hotels & Resorts is heading to this year’s VisitScotland Expo celebrating the success of The Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort.The centrepiece of a multi-million pound regeneration of the area, MAHR has
helped transform Aviemore into a year round leisure and business
destination, which has seen an unprecedented 22% rise in the value of
tourism (STEAM*).

MAHR is attracting families and tourists of all ages with the ultimate
Highland-based adventure package including mountain biking, hiking,
off-roading, nature trails, clay pigeon shooting and white water rafting on
offer, with the Resort at full capacity over peak holiday periods.

 

Now, with four hotels to cater for all guests, a vast leisure arena,
shopping complex and award-winning restaurant, the Resort is about to unveil
its latest development, the Spey Valley Golf Course. The 72 par, 7,200 yard
(6,800 yard off the women’s tee) championship golf course is described by
its designer Dave Thomas, as a ‘jewel in his crown’.

 

Figures released in March also reveal that MAHR’s conference business has
doubled over the 2005/6 winter season, giving a significant estimated £15m
boost to the local economy at a time when snow and the traditional skiing
attractions have been scare.

 

The success of the multi-million pound investment has been achieved through
the coming together of private investment, public money and local business
collaborations to promote the very best of Scotland including its
magnificent countryside, traditional Scottish cuisine, hospitality and
nature.

 

Speaking about Aviemore’s success, Sean Sullivan, the resort’s Managing
Director, said: 

“Eighteen months on and we are delighted with the success of The Macdonald
Aviemore Highland Resort. Aviemore has historically been seen as a ski
centre, however MAHR, the centrepiece of the multi-million pound
regeneration of the area, is making its mark, offering all year round
facilities for both the business and leisure markets.

 

“We expect that the new Spey Valley Golf Course will add to the success of
the Resort. We are already taking bookings for the course which is due to
open on the 26th May and hope to stage top-flight professional events at the
Resort in years to come.

 

“Location and facilities are paramount in attracting conference and leisure
business. People are realising just how accessible Aviemore is and, once
they are here, they are experiencing an adventure packed stay.”

 

Last year, in addition to MAHR, Macdonald Hotels & Resorts committed £150
million to a programme of redevelopment across the group. In Scotland, this
investment is already bearing fruit. The Macdonald Marine Hotel & Spa in
North Berwick recently re-opened following a £13.5m restoration which
brought this Victorian landmark back to life, with quality fixtures and
fittings, open fires, new conference facilities and a luxury Vital Spa with
pool.

 

The group now intends to fund similarly impressive refurbishment plans at
both the Macdonald Holyrood Hotel in Edinburgh and the Macdonald Cardrona
Hotel, Golf and Country Club set in the rolling hills of the Scottish
Borders.

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