NEW data has revealed a 20 per cent growth in the visitor economy of the South of Scotland.
The latest independent STEAM (Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor) figures show that tourism has increased by £150m, to £911m.
The sector also created 14 per cent more jobs, with 15,652 people now employed in tourism.
And visitor numbers rose too by 26 per cent, to over five million.
It means the South of Scotland is already ahead of target and well on course to hitting £1bn of annual economic growth by 2034.
The information was announced as deputy first minister Kate Forbes attended the Convention of the South of Scotland in the Borders on Monday.
She was welcomed by South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) CEO David Hope-Jones OBE, who said: “It’s fantastic to see what, together, the South of Scotland can achieve when we all push in the same direction. We have one, clear plan as to how we will support responsible tourism to drive local community and economic benefit. We are investing in that plan and we are now seeing the demonstrable results of this.
“We recognise that there are huge challenges for local businesses, with profitability harder than ever. This is why it’s so important we plan ambitiously, think strategically, work collaboratively, and act decisively. We need to be louder and prouder than ever: telling the world all the South of Scotland has to offer.
“Tourism is everyone’s business. Done well, it provides quality jobs, attracts real investment, and supports the products and services which local communities also enjoy.”
Karen Jackson, from South of Scotland Enterprise described the figures as “very encouraging”, saying they reflect the work which has taken place since the challenges of covid.
