MSPs, councillors, and local business people were among those who attended the first ever Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) bi-annual regional event in Dumfries.
Among the attendees was the Convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Affairs Committee and local MSP, Joan McAlpine.
VisitScotland Regional Leadership Director, Paula Ward, and Dame Barbara Kelly, Chair of Peter Pan/Moat Brae Trust also took part in the discussions.
Paula Ward and Dame Barbara Kelly also participated in an informative Q&A session to discuss a range of issues facing the sector alongside ASSC Chief Executive, Fiona Campbell, and a representative from SuperControl.
The regional event was the first of its kind that the association intends to host across Scotland aimed at recognising achievement in the sector and addressing its challenges.
South Scotland MSP and Convener of the Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Affairs Committee, Joan McAlpine MSP, said:
“Dumfries and Galloway enjoys a wealth of leading attractions from Galloway Forest Park to Threave Garden and beyond.
“It’s important that we build upon these local assets but also look to how the region can attract the visitors of the future by developing the visitor experience, adapting to changes in the market place and providing visitors with a unique offering which brings them back year after year.”
“Scotland is one of the leading tourist destinations globally bringing roughly £6bn to the Scottish economy and self-catering is an important part of this offering attracting consumer spend, supporting jobs and it’s important the we work together to support it.”
Paula Ward, VisitScotland Regional Leadership Director said:
“I was delighted to attend the recent ASSC regional event in Dumfries which gave me an opportunity to update local industry on the See South Scotland campaign.
“It offered a fantastic opportunity to update self-catering businesses across the region on the success of the campaign and to encourage everyone to get involved.
“It is a very exciting time for the South of Scotland with major investments and visitor attractions like Moat Brae – the location for the event – just around the corner.
Now is the time for us all to work together to show potential visitors something that we have known for a very long time; that the South of Scotland offers superb and inspirational experiences and is a much treasured holiday destination.”
ASSC Chief Executive, Fiona Campbell, added:
“We at the ASSC know that the benefits of the £723million traditional self-catering sector extend to every part of Scotland.
“That’s why we decided to launch our series of regional events and chose to do so in lovely Dumfries – where many of our members have their properties.
“Self-catering is in good health throughout Scotland, thanks to all the amazing people who work in our sector, and we’re keen to show this off in as many places as possible.”
The ASSC is Scotland’s trade body and leading source of knowledge for short-term letting and holiday homes – providing services for over 660 members in 7,000 properties.
ENDS