Dumfries & Galloway was named Rural Location of the Year at the i Staycation Awards last week (21 November), launched by i Newspaper and holidaycottages.co.uk.
It was one of two destinations in Scotland to have come out on top at the UK’s first national Staycation Awards, alongside Dundee which was named Staycation City of the Year.
The dark skies that can be enjoyed in Dumfries & Galloway as well as the miles of coastline, walks and spectacular scenery helped the region stand out as an ideal rural destination for a holiday where “visitors can expect to slow down.”
Erin Hickey our Consumer PR Manager for the UK attended and picked up the award for the region, presented by One Show presenter Matt Baker.
I am delighted that Dumfries & Galloway has received this fantastic accolade; affirming what we have know for a long time that the region is a perfect destination for a rural getaway.
With its proximity to north England and great connections with Northern Ireland and London through Carlisle Airport, Dumfries & Galloway is popular with visitors from across the UK. Dumfries & Galloway really does have something for everyone – it boasts breathtaking scenery, a stunning coastline, unique culture and heritage as well as amazing outdoor activities and delicious local food and drink.
I hope that this award encourages many more visitors to come to the region and I would urge the local tourism industry to make the most of the fantastic opportunity.
Tourism is more than a holiday experience – it is the heartbeat of the Scottish economy and touches every community, generating income, jobs and social change.
Paula Ward, VisitScotland Regional Leadership Director
