SSDA Conference 2025
Wednesday 19th March 2025
The Peebles Hydro, Innerleithen Rd, EH45 8LX
The SSDA Conference is generously supported by
Exhibitors
We have a limited number of exhibitor spaces and they are selling out fast, please contact us to discuss the options and book your space starting at £50
Leave the car at home
We have a free bus transport option starting at Stranraer with pick-ups along the way and a return bus in the evening. Please book NOW to avoid disappointment.
**Booking is essential and if your plans change at any point you must let us know asap**
The SSDA Conference is the key annual event bringing together the South of Scotland’s tourism sector: accommodation, visitor attractions, food and drink, travel trade and much more, with service providers, key stakeholders and the public sector.
Designed to unite everyone invested in shaping the region’s vibrant visitor economy, the conference provides a platform for connecting, networking, learning, and forging meaningful new collaborations.
Agenda
The SSDA 2025 Conference is packed full of informative speakers and industry experts. We will be announcing the speakers in the next few weeks.
*Timings are subject to change
Please click on the + to find out more about the speakers
09h00 - 10:00 Registration Open & Networking
10h00 - 10h30 Welcome
Vickki Steele 
Chair, South of Scotland Destination Alliance
Russel Griggs
Chair, South of Scotland Enterprise
David Hope-Jones
CEO, South of Scotland Destination Alliance
Session Supported by SOSE
10h40 - 11h40 Inspire visitors to come to the South of Scotland
Gráinne Cornally
Manager, Ireland's Hidden Heartlands - Fáilte Ireland
PgDip in Tourism Management & Destination Leadership
A tourism career spanning both private and public sector it began in commercial sales within the hotel industry, driving revenue growth, building strategic partnerships and enhancing guests' overall experience. A desire to support the development and evolution of the destination led to a strategic transition into Fáilte Ireland, working on the newest brand, Ireland's Hidden Heartlands. I actively contribute to shaping the strategic direction and brand development of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands, collaborating with stakeholders and industry to develop the destination in a sustainable manner, build the capability of the tourism businesses and elevate the destination to compete on a national and international stage.
Stuart Cordner
Managing Director - Cruise Loch Lomond LTD
Keith Muir
Chair of the South of Scotland Dark Sky Network. Associate Director, Forestry & Property ,David Robertson Rural
With a career spanning horticulture, hospitality, and forestry, Keith Muir has dedicated his expertise to developing and managing Scotland’s natural landscapes. After travelling the world working in hospitality, he transitioned into forestry, eventually leading the management of Galloway Forest Park. His primary focus was increasing visitor numbers and establishing the park as a must-see destination and was instrumental in establishing Scotland’s first International Dark Sky Park in Galloway.
Now serving as Associate Director of Forestry and Property with David Robertson Rural, Keith continues his commitment to sustainable land management. As Chair of the newly established South of Scotland Dark Sky Network, he is dedicated to ensuring the region’s dark skies are protected, maintaining Galloway’s Dark Sky Park status, and raising awareness of the importance of Dark Skies.
Fiona McClelland
Business & Operations Manager - The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory
11h40 - 12h00 Refreshment Break
12h00 - 13h00 Developing the visitor experience
13h00 - 14h00 Lunch
14h00 - 15h30 Act responsibly for long-term collective benefit
These are interactive breakout sessions
15h30 - 15h50 Refreshment Break
These are interactive breakout sessions
15h50 - 16h50 Support business to succeed
Panel Discussion
16h50 - 17:10 Final Speaker - Cyclist, Artist and TV Presenter Timmy Mallet
Timmy Mallett 'Exploring Dumfries and Galloway by bike has been an absolute joy – the stunning landscapes and warm, welcoming communities are truly inspiring. My journey here has fuelled my love for cycling and sparked new ideas for my artwork, capturing the vibrant spirit of this remarkable region. I’m also excited to visit Peebles to speak with South of Scotland tourism businesses about the importance of providing travellers with authentic local experiences and how storytelling is a powerful tool to attract visitors. And, with any luck, I’ll get out on my bike again to enjoy the breathtaking trails of the Tweed Valley'
Read the recent press articles BBC and The Times
17h10 - 17h15 Conference Close
By popular request, this year’s conference is again inspired by the four pillars of the South of Scotland Responsible Tourism Strategy
These themes will shape the day, driving engaging discussions and practical workshops to tackle current challenges, seize emerging opportunities, and ensure a sustainable, inclusive, and innovative future for tourism in the region.
If you were with us in 2024 there was a great energy in the room and delegates found it was a really useful day full of collaborations and networking . Get a flavour of the day from below
Whether you're a business owner, community leader, or professional in the tourism industry, the SSDA Conference is your chance to explore innovative practices, and be part of shaping the South of Scotland as a destination that inspires visitors and supports thriving communities.
Join us for a day of collaboration and innovation, as we work together to position the South of Scotland as a shining example of responsible tourism excellence.
The SSDA Conference is generously supported by
