DD&G Press Release 17.10.11: Dumfries & Galloway's Tourism Industry look to the skies
| 
Press release 17 October 2011
Dumfries & Galloway’s Tourism Industry look to the skies
Dumfries and Galloway’s private sector led tourism organisation Destination Dumfries & Galloway (DD&G) is partnering with Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) to bring a series of Dark Sky Park tourism industry workshops to the region in November.
The workshops are a response to requests from tourism businesses to find out more about the Dark Sky Park.
The workshops will feature Steve Owens, a freelance Astronomer and Dark Sky Development Officer, who will explain what the Dark Sky Park is, why our region has some the best stargazing in Europe, and how and where to stargaze in the region. Keith Muir of FCS and Jim Campbell of DD&G will be on hand to talk about how businesses attract more visitors by promoting the Dark Sky Park.
Wilma Finlay, Chair of DD&G, said:
“The region’s tourism industry is constantly developing ways to attract new visitors to the region. A number of businesses are already successfully working with the Dark Sky Park, and many others keen for the information and next steps to get involved. These workshops are an opportunity for individual businesses to gain new practical skills that will add value to their visitors’ experience in Dumfries and Galloway, as well as an opportunity for businesses to work together to create packages.”
Keith Muir, Forestry Commission Scotland, said:
“At a time when the public sector is being squeezed, it is refreshing to have a product that is free to use and available to everyone who wishes to use it. There has been a noticeable shift in what is being requested by visitors who come to see the dark skies of Galloway - they want someone to show them. Forestry Commission Scotland would have loved to have filled the void but cannot, so therefore we are looking to the private sector to take full advantage of this unique opportunity on our doorstep, before it is no longer unique. The tourism industry must waken up to the opportunities that are being created and grab hold of them. We will continue to protect the night sky and develop ideas to assist the private sector but we need a proactive approach from all businesses to fully maximise the status of the UK’s first Dark Sky Park”
Cllr Roger Grant, Chair of Planning, Housing and Environment Services said:
“Partnership working between the private and public sector is crucial, if the Galloway Park Dark Sky phenomenon is to develop and grow. There is a push to attract visitors to the region throughout the year, with local businesses playing a key role. These workshops will generate understanding across tourism networks allowing businesses to market the Galloway Park and boost the local economy.”
Tuesday 1st November: 6pm, The CatStrand, High Street, New Galloway, Castle Douglas, DG7 3RN
Wednesday 2nd November: 6pm, Creebridge House Hotel, Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire, DG8 6NP
Thursday 3rd November: 6pm, Aston Hotel, Bankend Road, Dumfries, DG1 4ZZ
The workshops are free, and open to any tourism related business or organisation based in Dumfries and Galloway. Those interested in attending can register online at: www.surveymonkey.com/s/N3R8T2L, or can find more information on the DD&G Tourism Industry website www.dgtourism4business.co.uk
ENDS
OVER>
For further information or to arrange an interview please contact: Inga McVicar, Destination Dumfries & Galloway M: 0783 360 1588 E: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Notes to Editors:
Dark Sky Park workshops: Tuesday 1st November: 6pm, The CatStrand, High Street, New Galloway, Castle Douglas, DG7 3RN | Wednesday 2nd November: 6pm, Creebridge House Hotel, Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire, DG8 6NP | Thursday 3rd November: 6pm, the Aston Hotel, Bankend Road, Dumfries, DG1 4ZZ | all workshops are free to attend, registration at www.surveymonkey.com/s/N3R8T2L
- Forestry Commission Scotland established part of Galloway Forest Park as the first Dark Sky Park in the UK. For further information: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/darkskygalloway
- Tourism contributes £296.68 million to the region’s economy, accounting for 11% of employment [1].
- Destination Dumfries & Galloway is a private sector, tourism industry destination development group dedicated to growing quality, sustainable tourism throughout the region. For further information: www.dgtourism4business.co.uk
- Destination Dumfries & Galloway works in close collaboration with private sector businesses; public agency partners, including Scottish Natural Heritage, Dumfries & Galloway Council, VisitScotland, Forestry Commission Scotland and Scottish Enterprise; tourism related organisation, including 7Stanes CIC, Savour the Flavours and the Mountain Bike Business Network; and community groups across Dumfries and Galloway
- This project is being part-financed by the Scottish government and the European community, Dumfries and Galloway leader 2007 – 2013 programme. Match funding from Dumfries & Galloway Council, Scottish Natural Heritage and the private sector
[1] Scottish Tourism Economic Activity Monitor report has concluded that in 2009, approximately 5,977 jobs (full time equivalents) were supported by direct tourist expenditure in the region, and a further 1,358 jobs were supported by indirect revenue from tourism. It is estimated tourism accounted for 11% of employment in Dumfries & Galloway – placing tourism in the top three of employment sectors. The total contribution of tourism to the Dumfries & Galloway economy in 2009 was £269.68 million.
| REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene Course Thu May 24 @09:30 - 04:30PM This Elementary Food Hygiene Certificate of the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS) will provide food handlers and businesses with the necessary information to control food safety hazards and if applied correctly will reduce food complaints and the risk of food poisoning. The course covers the following areas: · Introduction to food hygiene · Bacteria and their characteristics · Food poisoning and it’s prevention · Food pests and their control · Personal hygiene and working habits · The working environment and cleaning practices · Food safety legislation Hazard analysis, and the implementation of food safety systems based on HACCP principles is incorporated into the course content. At the end of this course there is a short multiple-choice test. All successful candidates receive a REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene certificate. We offer “open” courses on a regular basis, courses can also be delivered in-house working around production shifts where possible. Successful candidates may progress to the REHIS Intermediate Certificate in Food Hygiene. Courses are training room based and interactive in nature. Joanna Woodford Minerva People Ltd Training / Workshop |
| Linking Entrepreneurs Meeting – Service Quality Thu May 24 @17:30 - 07:30PM Driving up Service Quality is one of the best ways to keep and generate customers. This session will look at simple and effective ways of improving Service Quality. Dave Moyes, Lecturer at the University of the West of Scotland will contribute his expertise and will focus on practical help and things that you can do now to improve customer service. Venue: Selkirk Arms Hotel, Kirkcudbright. 17.30 hrs for 18.00 hrs finishing at 19.30 hrs Cost: £10 + VAT Further Information: If you have any questions, please contact Amanda Hannah at the Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce Forum / Open Meeting |
| Dogs and Horses on Show at Barstobrick Sat May 26 @11:00 -
On Saturday 26 Dumfries and Galloway Canine Resuce Centre has its Fun Day Dog Show. Dogs from across the region will compete in breed classes and novelty classes including waggiest tail and handsomest dog.
There will also be an assessment for the Kennel Club Good Citizen bronze award, a rescue dog cavalcade, dog agility and have-a-go ring.
And on Sunday 27 May Hugh Ramsay and the Millisle Clydesdales will give a Heavy Horse Demonstration starting at 11.00am.
This event is organised by the Galloway Area British Driving Society and Machars Riding for the Disabled and features special guest Leo the Shetland Pony.
Admission to the Heavy Horse Demonstration is £5, children get free entry and the staff at Neilson's Coffee Shop will be on hand to serve a selection of tasty treats to satisfy appetites large and small.
Barstobrick is just off the A75 and it's a great day out for all the family. We hope to see you there. Barstobrick Visitor Centre Visitor Event |
| Level 2 Award in Emergency First Aid Course Mon May 28 @09:30 - 04:30PM Course Programme
This 6 hour programme is accredited by the Highfield Awarding Body for Compliance and is aimed at those who wish to develop skills and gain knowledge of First Aid. It is suitable for anyone who wants to gain this knowledge, not only for the workplace.
Learners will be assessed doing a range of practical tasks and all successful candidates receive a Highfield Awarding Body certificate. The course can be delivered over 1 x 6 hour days, or 2 x 3 hour sessions. Learners must attend all sessions to achieve the full qualification. Courses are training room based and are interactive in nature. Joanna Woodford Minerva People Ltd Training / Workshop |
Barstobrick Visitor Centre is playing host to two exciting animal events over the last weekend in May.
Subscribe to RSS Feed
