Edinburgh, Scotland, 2016-Nov-16 — /Travel PR News/ — REPRESENTATIVES of over 80 businesses from all over the Scottish Borders gathered in Galashiels for the region’s annual VisitScotland conference.
The VisitScotland Borders Conference took place at The Interchange in Galashiels on Wednesday 9th November and aimed to inspire and encourage local industry to continue to capitalise on the business growth opportunities as a result of the Borders Railway.
The 30-mile Borders Railway stretching from Edinburgh Waverley to Tweedbank has proved a phenomenal success with more than one million passengers travelling on the route in the first year and businesses in the Borders, Midlothian and Edinburgh experiencing an increase in visitor numbers.
The event was opened by Chairman of VisitScotland Lord Thurso who praised the “beauty” of the area in his opening speech and urged delegates to work together to make the most of the “fantastic tourism asset” that is the new railway.
Lord Thurso said: “Our aim at VisitScotland is to see the visitor economy grow but to make sure that this growth is spread across all regions of Scotland.
“The Borders Railway has had a massive impact on the local economy and has encouraged people to come and visit this part of the country. The railway links the Borders to the capital city and for visitors to Edinburgh, the railway is the perfect way to experience the beauty of the region.
“The opening of the 30 mile route between Edinburgh and Tweedbank has provided a huge boost for the local area and Scottish tourism as a whole, increasing visitor numbers, creating jobs and sustaining communities.
“I was delighted to attend This event brought local businesses together to ensure that we work together to make the most of the continuing opportunities presented by the Borders Railway.”
Delegates also heard from VisitScotland’s Head of Customer Experience, Vicki Miller, who offered an insight into the changing habits of consumers and the importance of digital technology. Born in the Borders owner John Henderson spoke about his experiences of establishing a brewing company in the region and working with other industries to develop a food and drink network.
VisitScotland Regional Director, Doug Wilson, added: “We were delighted to welcome so many representatives from tourism and local businesses to our conference this year. We are now one year on from the opening of the Borders Railway and we want to support those working in the tourism sector to continue to capitalise on the important opportunities that exist in the Scottish Borders today.”
Councillor Stuart Bell, Scottish Borders Council’s Executive Member for Economic Development, said: “The Council is committed to maximising the economic benefit of the Borders Railway across the region, and bringing together businesses for this type of event is a fantastic way to hear about the latest developments, hear what others have done to take advantage of the visitors using the railway and network.”
The annual industry conference is the most anticipated event in the Scottish Borders tourism calendar and always generates a great level of interest from tourism and hospitality businesses the length and breadth of the region.
Attendees represented all areas of the tourism and hospitality sectors, ranging from accommodation providers and tour operators, to food and drink businesses, visitor attractions and events’ organisers.
For more information on the Borders Railway, visit:
https://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/tours/railway/borders-railway/
Notes to Editors
Contact:
Barbara Clark
Head of Corporate Communications
Corporate Media, Partnership Communications, Internal Communications
Barbara.Clark@visitscotland.com
0131 472 2212
Out of hours – 0131 472 2324
Source: Visit Scottland
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