Author: Vanessa Wegstein

Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel Destinations for 2023 Revealed

Lonely Planet’s Expert Predictions for the Coming Year Celebrate the World’s Top Places for Food, Unwinding, Connection, Journeys, and Learning    Global travel authority Lonely Planet has today unveiled its top destinations to visit next year with the release of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2023.  The annual hot list of trending destinations predicts where to go in…
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Head South – South of Scotland included in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2023

The South of Scotland has been named as one of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel destinations for 2023.   The publication revealed that the region, which covers the Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway, is one of only two UK destinations and 30 worldwide to make the annual list. Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2023…
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Borders Hoteliers on the Move

The owners of Cringletie near Peebles today announced that General Manager Will Haegeland and Front Office Manager Trond Dalby are moving on to pastures new. Mr Haegeland will take up a new position as General Manager of the Pandora Hotel and Marton Guest House on Guernsey and Mr Dalby has been appointed Deputy General Manager.…
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More Than A Quarter Of Tourism Businesses In South Of Scotland Contemplating Permanent Closure As Operating Costs Skyrocket

Results of first South of Scotland Destination Alliance ‘barometer survey’ reveal “exceptionally challenging” picture for tourism and hospitality businesses in the region   The results of an in-depth ‘barometer survey’ of tourism and hospitality businesses in the South of Scotland paint a concerning picture of the difficulties many operators face in a worsening national and…
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SSDA Newsletter October 2022

MESSAGE FROM OUR INTERIM CEO It has been an incredibly busy month for the team as we continue to welcome businesses into the SSDA tourism community and prepare to launch a new Winter Campaign. Over the past year we have raised the profile of the region through our regional brand Scotland Starts Here. Our website…
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Dumfries and Galloway Council Announces Events Funding Programmes for 2023/24

Dumfries and Galloway Council has announced that its events funding programmes for 2023/24 are now open for applications.   The Community Events Fund and the Major Events Fund are part of the new Dumfries and Galloway Events Strategy 2023-2026.   The total funding available for events and community organisations is £100,000.  The deadline for applications…
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“Crucial” new survey of tourism businesses launched in South of Scotland as operating challenges grow

First South of Scotland Destination Alliance ‘barometer survey’ aims to gain vital insight into how tourism businesses in the region are faring and their priorities for the coming year   The South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) has launched its first ‘barometer survey’ of tourism and hospitality businesses in the South of Scotland, aiming to…
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South of Scotland Destination Alliance seeks dynamic new CEO to progress ambitious strategy for region

While the recruitment process takes place, the South of Scotland Destination Alliance installs board director, Melanie Allen, as Interim Chief Executive   The South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) has begun a search for a new Chief Executive with the news that Ross McAuley will step down in September to take up a new role…
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funding marketing south of scotland

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS! BBC SCOTLAND TV SERIES IS ON THE SEARCH FOR ‘SCOTLAND’S GREATEST ESCAPE’

BBC Scotland has announced a new 8 part series which will take audiences on a journey to the very best escapes that Scotland has to offer and ultimately crown one as Scotland’s Greatest Escape. The production team are now putting a call out to the public to nominate what holiday experience they think is worthy…
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Crossmichael Heritage celebrated on afternoon of 30th July!

The Crossmichael Heritage Centre is open in the church hall every Wednesday and Friday afternoon (1.30-4.30pm). The Hearse Hoose exhibition is open 9-5, every Monday to Saturday. To celebrate the project, a ‘Crossmichael Heritage Open Day’ is being held on the afternoon of 30th July, with a whole range of activities for all ages. Between…
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