There is “cautious optimism” in the tourism sector as it gears up for Easter.
The improving weather, school holidays and easing of coronavirus restrictions means businesses are looking forward to a bumper season.
VisitScotland’s interim regional director, Annique Armstrong, said: “There is cautious optimism in the air across the local tourism industry just now. After a lot of uncertainty, the industry is preparing for what is hoped, for many, to be the first full year of trading since the pandemic.
“It’s been a difficult few years and, while the current economic situation will bring some fresh challenges for all, there is a general desire from both visitors and businesses to return to some kind of normality.”
She added: “It’s great to see people venturing out and supporting their local tourism businesses. While the return of international visitors will be important for the long-term recovery of the industry, people in Scotland still have a key role to play in helping businesses get back on their feet.
“There is no doubt that tourism is a vital part of the economy in the south of Scotland. It creates jobs, sustains communities and enriches our lives. In fact, a recent survey of residents in Scotland found that 87 per cent of Scotland’s residents rated tourism as the most important industry in terms of its value to the economy. Eighty seven per cent of those living in tourist areas also believe that tourism will help support local recovery from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Ms Armstrong is urging people in Dumfries and Galloway to visit tourist attractions local to them to better understand “the value of the industry and its appeal”.
She said: “Tourism brings many benefits which is why its responsible recovery is so important. But things can’t and won’t be exactly as before. Tourism is evolving.
“It’s about more than travel. It’s about creating better places for people to live and visit by managing our economic, environmental and social impact.
“We all have a duty of care to protect the natural, social and cultural assets which makes the south of Scotland so special.
“We really want visitors to ‘know before they go’ when it comes to travel, checking what is open and how busy places are before making a trip but also encouraging them to think about things like water safety, littering, camping and following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
“Being a responsible tourist and respecting and protecting our environment and communities makes for a better experience for everyone.
“We know that we won’t just push a button and tourism will recover – we’ve had a year of little investment, job losses and business closures – it will take time and significant investment to get us back to a thriving industry.
“But with the right support, tourism and events can lead the economic recovery.”
