A cruise workshop to prepare the north east for an expected influx of tourists.

The event on Thursday comes ahead of the new Aberdeen South Harbour opening in 2020.

As part of the Cruise Aberdeenshire Working Group, VisitAberdeenshire ran two cruise workshops in October to engage with local tourism businesses that may feature on cruise passenger's itinerary plans.

The third workshop will focus on logistics and transport.

Key representatives from the transport departments at Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council and private sector businesses including coach, taxi and Aberdeen International Airport will be in attendance.

Business engagement manager at VisitAberdeenshire Elaine Booth said: "On the ground transport is one of the biggest logistical challenges we face as we prepare the region to become a world class cruise destination.

"On some of the larger ships we could have up to 5000 passengers and crew that require transport to get them from the South Harbour to their destination.

"This workshop aims to provide the vital information local transport companies require to allow them to begin to make plans to adequately service this market."

Chief executive of VisitAberdeenshire Chris Foy said: "We have a fantastic opportunity to establish Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire as a must see, must visit cruise destination.

"But to make the most of the opportunity, and to ensure we're ready for the 2020 completion of the harbour expansion, we must start the preparation now."