South of Scotland tourism stars aim to break regional record at Scottish Thistle Awards national finals

Regional businesses preparing to fly the flag for Dumfries & Galloway and the Scottish Borders at glittering ceremony in Glasgow  The crème de la crème of tourism and hospitality in the South of Scotland will be tested against their counterparts from the rest of the country as the sector’s leading lights gather in Glasgow for…
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Three’s a charm: SSDA appoints new Board Members

Joining the South of Scotland Destination Alliance Board are (L to R) Esther Tacke, Sian Downes and Keith Mundell. They join as tourism leaders from the activity, events and visitor attraction sectors and and they will be helping promote sustainable tourism and thriving communities in Dumfries & Galloway and the Scottish Borders Members of the…
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Borderlands named as 5G Innovation Region by UK Government

The Borderlands has been named as one of 10 new 5G Innovation Regions to share in a £36 million fund from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. The successful areas will lead on delivering the Government’s vision for communities across the UK to take full advantage of the transformative effect that advanced wireless connectivity…
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How to seize green energy solutions to help boost your business’ finances

Britain is home to a wealth of innovative and forward-thinking businesses within the tourism and leisure sector who recognise the importance of moving towards a greener future. With 5.5 million small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) in the country, ScottishPower has launched new advice to support business leaders in the tourism and leisure sector through this transition by adopting green technologies that…
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Stranraer Oyster Festival 2023 delivered £2.3 million economic boost

Record breaking attendance at Stranraer Oyster Festival 2023 generated an additional £2.3 million for the local economy, according to an independent economic impact report. The study, which was carried out by MKA Economics, also noted that this level of visitor spend should help to safeguard 32 tourism related local jobs. The three-day festival took place…
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SSDA Newsletter November 2023

Our winter webinar schedule has launched with a fantastic set of informative sessions planned over the upcoming months. Read all about it and catch up on the news from the SSDA in our current newsletter. If you aren’t yet enjoying the benefits of membership, join today  and be a part of our upcoming activities. READ NOVEMBER’S…
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World Championship Ice Hockey Returns to Dumfries in December

World Championship Ice Hockey is to make a welcome return to the Dumfries Ice Bowl in December, and is sure to wow thousands of existing and new fans to the sport. The Great Britain Men’s Under 20s will play their World Championship Division II Group A fixtures at the Dumfries venue, against tournament top seeds…
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Scotland’s first UNESCO Biosphere named on National Geographic ‘Cool List’ for 2024

The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere, Scotland’s first UNESCO Biosphere, is celebrating the news that National Geographic Traveller (UK) has named it as the only Scottish destination in the prestigious global Cool List for 2024. The “editors’ selection of global destinations set to make the news over the next 12 months” identifies the top places…
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Festivals and Events Tourism to the Region Receives Major Council Boost

Dumfries and Galloway Council has announced that it is to lead the search for new Signature Events for the region. The Advancement initiative, to identify the growth events in Dumfries and Galloway that have the potential to grow sustainably and profile our region internationally, is a cornerstone of the Council’s Events Strategy 2023-2027. The Advancement…
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Interface Opportunities for SSDA Members

Based regionally throughout Scotland, Interface works with businesses of all sizes, in all sectors, to match them to Scotland’s world-leading academic expertise to help them grow. With connections into all Scottish universities, research institutes and colleges, Interface has established and efficient processes that will save time and money in finding and accessing academic expertise, research,…
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