Visionary networker on 26th June will explore ‘Growing Community Tourism in the Machars area of Dumfries and Galloway.
The Biosphere Community of Whithorn is the locus for an exciting networking event taking place on Friday 26th June, with local residents and business owners invited to explore ‘Growing Community Tourism in the Machars’.
Co-hosted at the New Town Hall by the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership and the team from All Roads Lead to Whithorn, the event will include a series of interactive workshops aiming to generate ideas and connections that will help shape the future of tourism across the Machars. Questions and themes will include asking what makes visitors stop, stay and come back; how to support independent businesses and retain visitor spend; how to embed environmental sustainability; and opportunities for different sectors and services to work in partnership to make tourism a force for good.
The Machars tourism networker is part of the pioneering Solway Coast & Marine Project (SCAMP Landscape Connections) which is developing a range of community, heritage and nature restoration projects, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Within SCAMP, the GSA Biosphere Partnership is heading projects on community tourism, marine education, and business entrepreneurship for young people in coastal communities.
Faith Hillier, the GSA Biosphere Partnership’s Community & Education Lead Officer, said: “Community tourism offers local people the chance to centre local priorities in developing visitor experiences, channelling their knowledge and aspirations into creating a tourism offer which is economically viable, environmentally-friendly, and sustainable in the long term. Our Whithorn workshop is an exciting pilot where all voices will be heard and where our focus will be on identifying meaningful and achievable next steps.”
‘Growing Community Tourism in the Machars’ will run from 11am – 3pm on 26th June at the New Town Hall, Whithorn, DG8 8PD and is a free to attend with a light lunch provided. All are welcome and booking is via Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/growing-community-tourism-in-the-machars-tickets-1988631895532. For any queries please email [email protected].
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