The Strategy was written through an inclusive, transparent and far-reaching consultation process, involving hundreds of businesses, communities and key individuals, with: 14 in-person meetings across the region (receiving over 3,500 data submissions), 13 digital thematic meetings, 20 deep-dive one-to-one meetings, visitor sentiment tracking, an open online consultation, two meetings of the Regional Economic Partnership, and extensive business engagement.
The Responsible Tourism Strategy is an integral part of the overarching Regional Economic Strategy and has been formally welcomed and endorsed by the Convention of the South of Scotland.
It sets out how, together, we will transform our visitor economy by:
a) extending the season and developing the South of Scotland as a year-round 'rural escape' destination for the 14m people within 2-4 hours travel time
b) becoming a 'go to' rather than a 'go through' destination
c) increasing international visitor numbers, who spend significantly more and stay longer than domestic visitors.
22 key areas of work are identified in the strategy, across four strands:
Behind the Strategy is a detailed three-year (2024-27) Action Plan. For each of the 109 actions identified, the Action Plan states:
Of those who have given feedback:
84% felt there had been an inclusive, transparent and fair consultation
93% felt the views they shared in the consultation are represented in the strategy
95% saw themselves being involved in the delivery of the strategy
97% saw themselves benefiting from the strategy
We will, together, make the South of Scotland the most sustainable, talked about, successful, energetic, and coveted destination in Scotland. Because #ScotlandStartsHere. Join us on this journey.
We will also publish detailed annual reports and externally produced triennial reports, to ensure we continue to be transparent and accountable for delivering on the unprecedented ambition we have set for the South of Scotland’s visitor economy.
