Destination Dumfries and Galloway, the region's private led tourism industry organisation, has called for all tourism businesses to join together at the forthcoming DD&G Tourism Industry Conference.

PHOTO CAPTION (left to right): Inga McVicar (Project Manager, Destination Dumfries & Galloway), Marshall Swalwell (Managing Director, Auchenlarie Holiday Park) and Duncan McConchie (Vice Chair of Destination Dumfries & Galloway and Managing Director of Laggan Outdoor). High res version available at: http://mbf.cc/WIoT3

NEWS RELEASE 15.02.12

Organised by DD&G in partnership with Auchenlarie Holiday Park, the conference is timed as the last major industry gathering before the main tourism season starts, and is focused on how every business can play its part in efforts to build the region as a tourism destination.

The conference titled ‘Let's ALL make D&G a Tourism Destination’ will include keynote speakers; Marshall Swalwell, Managing Director of Auchenlarie Holiday Park and Sean Paul O’Hare, General Manager of The Glenkens Community & Arts Trust. The Conference will be hosted by Wilma Finlay, Chair of Destination Dumfries & Galloway/Managing Director of Cream o’ Galloway.

During the day, there will be a series of breakout sessions which will focus on the visitor research DD&G has undertaken; customer service; product and packaging; and tripadvisor. A series of partner stalls will be exhibiting, including VisitScotland, the Association of Dumfries & Galloway Accommodation providers (ADGAP), Dumfries & Galloway Wildlife Festival and Wild Seasons.

DD&G will be presenting the next steps for the Dumfries and Galloway tourism brand, as well as work to date by and future plans for DD&G. VisitScotland will be presenting their National Digital Strategy. Delegates will also have the opportunity to network, and to enter into a chance to have a “magic minute” to address the Conference on anything they feel passionate about.

The industry conference will take place on Monday 5^th March at Auchenlarie Holiday Park, Gatehouse of Fleet.

Duncan McConchie, Vice Chair of DD&G and Managing Director of Laggan Outdoor said:

“The key message of this conference is that it’s up to every individual tourism business in the region to be part of developing Dumfries and Galloway as a tourism destination. DD&G works closely with partners like Dumfries & Galloway Council and VisitScotland, and we need the opinions, ideas, time and effort from everyone in our industry to make sure regional strategies and plans achieve real results. Today is about providing information on some of the projects underway to attract more visitors to our region – but it’s also what we, as individual businesses, can do to provide a positive visitor experience when they do come to the region. ”

Marshall Swalwell, Managing Director of Auchenlarie Holiday Park, said:

“As a caravan park operator for the past 26 years at Auchenlarie I have seen my industry in Dumfries & Galloway a) grow at times, b) stall at times and c) even suffer a dip in its fortunes. Today’s climate is more challenging than ever but depending upon which forecast you read either the staycation syndrome is coming back or we are all doomed. Getting rid of all the media jargon let’s just say we’re all going to have work harder just to stand still. Why, however, do we not embrace what the organisation called Destination Dumfries & Galloway are trying to do? We can then hope to ‘buck the trend’ by getting tourists to turn left at Gretna Green and enjoy the delights of our region. Auchenlarie Holiday Park, (being rebranded as part of the Swalwell Holiday Group) is delighted to sponsor this conference and we hope that all businesses are prepared to lose their ‘independent tag’ and work together for the good of not just themselves but also for this beautiful area.”

Cllr Roger Grant, Chair of Planning, Housing and Environment Committee at the Council said:

“The Council is keen to work with all partners to support the tourism sector.  I would urge anyone with an interest in promoting our region as a tourism destination to attend the conference.  With the new tourist season around the corner, it makes sense to come together to network and discuss how to increase visitor numbers for the benefit of all.”

Details of the partnership industry conference are:

Auchenlarie Holiday Park, Gatehouse of Fleet, Castle Douglas, Dumfries & Galloway, DG7 2EX

From 0930am – 1700pm on Monday 5 March 2012

Please register for the Let's ALL make D&G a Tourism Destination tourism industry conference online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/N3B87F3

-ENDS-

For further press information please contact:

Inga McVicar, Project Manager, Destination Dumfries & Galloway Tel: 0783 360 1588

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Notes to Editors

• 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 Dumfries & Galloway Council, VisitScotland, Scottish Natural Heritage, 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