Among those signing up to support DD&G are: Wilma Finlay of Cream o’ Galloway, Tom Gillespie of Gillespie Leisure, Douglas McMillan of the McMillan Hotel Group, Mark Coombs, Estate Manager of Drumlanrig  Castle and Country Estate and Alasdair Houston of the Gretna Green Group. Wilma Finlay said “It is vital that businesses in Dumfries & Galloway start to really work together to promote tourism in the region. A huge amount of work has been done already by the shadow board of DD&G in preparing the framework for co-operative initiatives, and it is vital that we get behind them”.

In a welcoming speech, Prof. Terry Stevens (of Stevens View Partnership - the consultants who advised on the establishment of DD&G) referred to the work done in successful destinations worldwide. “It is essential” he said “that tourism operators  are closely involved in the development of the destination, so that industry can effectively influence the development and growth of tourism in the region”.

Funding Launch

The meeting also served to launch an ambitious fundraising initiative, to secure matched Growth Funding from VisitScotland for an intensive campaign to put D&G firmly on the tourism map. This will be a high profile and creative marketing campaign to make a step-change in people’s awareness of Dumfries and Galloway. Our target budget is £100,000. We can get 75% funding from public agencies but must have 25% from businesses to secure this. Over £10,000 of the target of £25,000 has already been pledged by businesses both large and small, just days into the campaign. We now call upon others to join in and make a financial commitment to the development of our fabulous region. If you are committed to the success of D&G please click to make your pledge and you will be contacted shortly.