Scotland Starts Here is our consumer facing brand, with half a million website visitors, over 25,500 app users, over 70,000 social media followers and a total reach of over 2.4 million.
By joining SSDA you will be listed on Scotland Starts Here and be part of an inclusive, supportive network which is powering the South of Scotland’s visitor economy.
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What can we do for you ?
By Becoming a Member..
Membership of SSDA will bring a host of tangible benefits to individual businesses, local marketing groups, suppliers, events, and social enterprises. As a member you will benefit from:
PLACE BRAND MARKETING
Putting the South of Scotland on the map through ‘Scotland Starts Here’ and driving a sustainable increase in visitors to the area. This will be done through; SSH Website, SSH APP and SSH Social Media channels which include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.
Dedicated marketing campaigns and collaborative marketing campaigns with partners.
INDUSTRY REPRESENTATION
SSDA has direct representation to government and campaigns for sector recognition and investment as well as global representation at travel trade conferences and events.
DIGITAL IMPROVEMENT
Engage with your customers more effectively, maximising customer communication opportunities, meet evolving consumer expectation and reach audiences effectively including having excellent online visibility and bookability.
BUSINESS AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Fulfil business potential through innovation, collaboration, creativity, and diversification.
Join the SSDA Today
Membership of the SSDA is open to all tourism, hospitality and leisure businesses
and organisations across the South of Scotland.
IMPACT
Since our inception the impact we have had on our Members in the South of Scotland has been huge
Members
People engaged with SSDA
on training and events
Growth in social
following on SSH
Our Latest News
The latest news from across the South of Scotland.
Peebles Hydro named as venue for the 2024 South of Scotland Thistle Awards as entries open to local businesses
TOURISM and hospitality businesses in Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders are being encouraged to enter the South of Scotland Thistle Awards 2024, back after a brilliantly successful inaugural[…]
Read moreSSDA Annual Members Survey
The SSDA is a member-led network. Everything we do is informed by listening to our members and understanding the needs, concerns and priorities of the businesses, enterprises and communities of[…]
Read moreThe Thistle Awards are back for 2024, honouring the South of Scotland’s magnificent tourism and hospitality sector
After a hugely successful first year, the South of Scotland’s regional Thistle Awards are back for 2024, showcasing the finest in Scottish tourism and hospitality across the region, with nominations[…]
Read moreOver 65 million Cycling World Championships viewers tune in to see the South of Scotland at its best
Wellbeing Secretary Mairi McAllan and Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands Mairi Gougeon joined South of Scotland Cycling Partners, as well as Esther Tacke and Warren Sanders[…]
Read moreSSDA Newsletter February 2024
Join our CEO David Hope-Jones OBE as he walks you through all the latest news from the SSDA from the past month – it sure has been busy! This newsletter[…]
Read moreNEW TOURISM STRATEGY TO BE LAUNCHED AT “BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER” SOUTH OF SCOTLAND CONFERENCE
Speakers at the 2024 South of Scotland Destination Alliance Conference include clockwise from top left: Richard Lochhead MSP; Mary Jane Brett, Johnnie Walker Princes Street Experience ; Dr Martin Valenti,[…]
Read moreUpcoming Events
Below is a snippet of our latest events. Find out more on our Events page.
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