Visit Scotland secures Council funding for 2014-2015
At Tuesday’s Economy, Environment and Infrastructure Committee, Councillors approved the allocation of £240,000 to Visit Scotland ensuring that they will continue to market our region both nationally and internationally.
Tourism is recognised as one of the main drivers for the regional economy and is a key sector supported by the Council. The value of tourism to the region’s economy in 2013 was £290.5 million and it is estimated that the sector employs 5,713 people directly and another 1,221 people indirectly.
VisitScotland has a remit to market Scotland as a quality destination, provide information for visitors, deliver quality assurance for the industry, and attract and support national and international events. It is also the only organisation of this type that can effectively deliver and measure economic impacts of campaign.
Councillor Colin Smyth, Chair of the Council’s Economy, Environment and Infrastructure committee said:
“I am highly supportive of this funding, as our region relies heavily on tourism so it’s important that we invest in this sector and continue to attract people from the UK and beyond. One of our key Council priorities is to grow the regional economy and tourism plays a key role in this, not only in terms of visitor numbers but also in terms of employment. We have always enjoyed a good working relationship with VisitScotland and I am delighted that this fruitful partnership will continue.”
Paula McDonald, Regional Director, VisitScotland Dumfries & Galloway and Scottish Borders said:
“We are delighted that Dumfries & Galloway Council have approved this funding recommendation for 2014/15. Tourism 2014 is the spring board for economic success in 2015 and beyond. VisitScotland is privileged to work in partnership to support Dumfries and Galloway’s vision to promote the region as a world-class destination where visitors receive a warm welcome, outstanding service and where quality exceeds customer expectations. We have a long term commitment to working in partnership with public sector and industry partners to maximise the visitor economy and build on the successful development of tourism in the region”
