The South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA), the strategic destination management and marketing organisation for the South of Scotland, will bring together the local tourism industry for its inaugural annual conference on 15 March at Easterbrook Hall at The Crichton in Dumfries.
The conference will feature a series of workshops, networking events, panel discussions and talks exploring themes such as destination development, sustainability and place branding, as the SSDA seeks to support the region’s recovery and future growth.
Key speakers and guests will include Simon Calder, travel journalist and broadcaster; SSDA chairman David Ibbotson; SSDA CEO Ross McAuley; Jane Morrison Ross, CEO of South of Scotland Enterprise; and Rob Dickson, director of industry and destination development at VisitScotland.
Research
The SSDA recently unveiled research including insights around the region’s potential to be the new Cornwall, but without the crowds.
The research, based on a recent survey of more than 3,400 people across the UK, outside the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway, says the South of Scotland has many of the attractions that draw crowds to such tourist hotspots as the Cornwall and the Cotswolds. However, many tourists are unaware of what the South of Scotland has to offer.
Ross McAuley (pictured), CEO, SSDA, said: “After two years of disruption, this is a great chance for the tourism and hospitality sector across the South of Scotland to come together, share idea and build relationships as we look to draw new visitors and investment to our area.”