Summary of online questionnaires

The below is a summary of more than 100 questionnaires which have been completed by tourism businesses and organisations in Dumfries and Galloway.

1. Majority of responses have come from B & Bs and self-catering businesses, some of which offer both. Seven small hotels also responded. Most have few or no employees and many are owner operated.

2. 90% open all year round. Those which close over winter do so because of low visitor numbers.

3. Membership

• 66% VS
• 50% ADGAP
• 37% Chamber of Commerce
• 16% ASSC
• 18% FSB
• Others included Farmstay UK, Tourism Doc and ASVA

Benefits of membership:

• ADGAP - Marketing/campaigning on local level
• ASSC - info sharing/bookings website
• VS - bookings website - but high costs outweigh benefits

4. 66% accredited/listed/graded with VS.

5. D & G strengths and weaknesses

Strengths.

• Scotland's hidden gem - strength and a weakness
• Scenery/natural unspoilt beauty, quiet
• Authentic, relaxed
• Coast line
• Outdoors
• Outdoor activities - walking, cycling, fishing etc
• Historical interest
• Varied/diversity - but this makes it difficult to brand
• Accessibility from North of England
• Wildlife
• Friendliness of people
• Villages and towns - ie Kirkcudbright
• Arts - Spring Fling
• Golf courses
• 7Stanes
• Gardens

Weaknesses

• Remoteness
• Public transport - no rail link
• Seasonality
• Lack of strong visitor attractions
• Signage
• Lack of infrastructure - restaurants/pubs
• Lack of accommodation - particularly for business tourism
• No USP - maybe Galloway Forest?
• Communication around the area
• VS - lack of recognition/profile/promotion for area
• Poor marketing for events and attractions
• Uncoordinated efforts - very fragmented. Can lead to duplication
• Lack of training and development for service staff
• Litter/fly tipping
• Lack of indoor attractions
• Towns need a 'power wash'
• Dumfries town planning
• Lack of leadership
• Lack of dynamism
• Ageing population
• Poor signal for TV/phone
• Litter
• Not forward thinking/proactive