Businesses urged to join Aberdeen tourism campaign INDUSTRY leaders in Aberdeen have called on local tourism, retail and passenger transport businesses to sign up to a new campaign aimed at making the region "one of the most welcoming in Scotland. " The Aberdeen City and Shire WorldHost Recognised Destination initiative, which was officially launched today, is designed to help the region achieve a nationally-recognised badge of excellence for customer service. The initiative involves VisitAberdeen, the Banffshire Coast and Royal Deeside and Cairngorms organisation, Aberdeen Inspired, and the Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Partnership. Elaine Booth, the tourism partnership manager, said: "Increasing the number of well-trained, motivated and empowered front-line employees who are delivering customer service standards to a much higher and more consistent level of quality can only serve to strengthen the overall perception a visitor will have of our region. A high-quality product, backed up with world class customer service standard and a strong marketing message will not only help attract new visitors to the region but will help put Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire firmly on the map as a must see world-class tourism destination - delivering a real boost to the local economy and a positive return to those businesses that have invested their time and money in supporting the initiative. David Allen, director of Scotland for People 1st, which is leading the roll out of the initiative across Scotland, said: "As Scotland gears up to welcome the world in 2014, offering an excellent visitor experience will be vital to helping Aberdeen City and Shire create a lasting tourism legacy." He added: "The WorldHost Recognised Destination Initiative stands out because its long-term success is in the employers" hands. By collectively training their staff in customer service, not only can they reap the benefits in their own businesses, but they can ultimately raise the quality of welcome across the entire region.