Team-up plans to attract more tourists

The Holiday Inn, Neuro’s Spa and Big Burns Supper Festival have formed a new cultural tourism partnership — starting off by offering the ultimate Burns supper package.
Twenty-two per cent of the 30,000 people who attended last year’s Big Burns Supper Festival came from outside Dumfries, and executive producer Graham Main said: “We are starting to see an increase in visitors who are coming to the town as part of the festival, which is really helping to boost the economy at the start of the year.
“Our objective is to get more people here so they can spend more money on local services.”
The cultural partnership is aimed at creating awareness and increase visitors to the region during the winter months.
The project will be piloted at the 2017 festival, and will offer visitors the opportunity to package the Big Burns Supper experience with hotel, spa and event tickets at one price.
The package will offer a two night bed and breakfast at the Holiday Inn hotel, a night at sexy cabaret Le Haggis and will provide access to Neuro’s spa where they can relax, unwind and dine at their restaurant and bar.
Praising the Big Burns Supper, VisitScotland regional director Douglas Wilson said: “It’s been tremendous to see it develop and attract more and more visitors to the region every year and I’m confident that the cultural tourism partnership with the Holiday Inn and Neuro’s will help the 2017 Big Burns Supper achieve even higher attendance figures.”
Easterbrook sales and marketing manager Elaine Curruthers said: “I am delighted to be in collaboration with professionals within the region and I’m looking forward to a successful union in generating awareness and a great experience for the region.”