SSDA October Newsletter 2024

David Hope-Jones, CEO of the SSDA gives a quick 5-minute round up, by St Mary’s Loch, of the latest work of the SSDA in supporting the tourism economy in the South of Scotland. Our Locally Led Destination Development meetings are underway, and the newsletter contains updates on the growth in the  South of Scotland tourism…
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Cycling Fund helps put South on track to become leading cycling destination

Thirty tourism businesses, social enterprises and community groups have been supported to help the South of Scotland become one of the leading cycling destinations in the world. The £300,000 South of Scotland Cycling Infrastructure Fund provided capital grants of £3,000 to £25,000 to the organisations who own visitor facing assets to invest in their cycling…
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Making a World Class Trail

We want the River Tweed Trail to be world class and for visitors to have a great experience with local businesses benefitting.  To do that we need to ensure that all the support services and logistics needed for the Trail are in place and high quality experiences are developed.The River Tweed Trail needs to have:Transport…
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South of Scotland tourism grows by £150 million (20%) in a year

New data reveals growth of visitor economy in the South of Scotland as the Deputy First Minister visits the Scottish Borders, meeting business leaders.    With Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes visiting the Scottish Borders, new independent tourism data has been announced showing the development of the visitor economy in the South of Scotland and the impact of the South…
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Galloway National Park: Initial Survey of Tourism Businesses

  Tourism businesses in Dumfries and Galloway, and South and East Ayrshire, are invited to complete a short online survey to share their views on the prospective Galloway National Park.   Submit your views here    This is a relatively quick initial survey, with the deadline for completion 9 am, Monday 4th November 2024.  It aims…
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South of Scotland Thistle Awards returns to celebrate tourism stars

The 12 winners of the region’s second annual Thistle Awards who will go on to represent the South of Scotland at the national Scottish Thistle Awards in November. Photo: Phil Wilkinson Tourism and hospitality businesses from across the South of Scotland celebrated their victories at the South of Scotland’s second annual Thistle Awards ceremony last…
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Experience Design Workshops

River Tweed Trail – would you like to attract more active visitors? Do you have an idea for a new product, service or experience for walkers or cyclists?  Ensure you’re ready for the upcoming River Tweed Trail launch. We are holding two tourism innovation workshops on Monday 4th November in Berwick-upon-Tweed  and on Tuesday 5…
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Food & Drink Multi Stakeholder Roundtable

Further strengthening the South of Scotland’s food and drink offering is a priority within the Responsible Tourism Strategy. On the 29th August 2024, the SSDA convened a roundtable meeting bringing together many of the organisations that are actively involved in supporting food and drink. Challenges, successes and opportunities were discussed and there was a board…
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SSDA September Newsletter 2024

David Hope-Jones, CEO of the SSDA gives a quick 5-minute round up,  from the Cairndale Spa in Dumfries of the latest work of the SSDA in supporting the tourism economy in the South of Scotland. The newsletter has the latest news, events and information to help you stay up to date on the tourism economy…
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Stranraer Oyster Festival shortlisted in BBC Food and Farming Awards

BBC Food and Farming Awards 2024 finalists announced. Great to see Scottish companies across the board as well as those in the Scotland-specific category. Huge congratulations to Stranraer Oyster Festival who have been shortlisted!  Read more here.