EVENTS and festivals in the region are failing to attract as many tourists as hoped.
It emerged this week that the number of tourists coming to Dumfries and Galloway through major festivals and events is currently falling short of agreed targets.
That’s despite a huge amount of council effort and investment going into events, such as the World Paracycling Championships and Ice Hockey World Championship. They were both expected to bring large crowds that would boost the local economy.
The local authority’s own events strategy includes a target of attracting 37,500 new visitors to funded events.
However, in 2022/23, just over half of the target – with 18,900 people recorded, while last year the numbers improved – but were still 9000 below the set target.
A report on the matter will go before next week’s Annandale and Eskdale area committee.
And it notes: “Big Burns Supper did not take place, which would have substantially increased the overall visitor numbers recorded, and the Tour of Britain did not have a stage in Dumfries and Galloway during this reporting period which would have made a big contribution towards the target figure.
“There is significant evidence that indicates that a high number of these visits were for three or more nights e.g, to the Book Festival, Spring Fling, the World Paracycling Championships and curling and ice hockey tournaments in Dumfries.
“This will have increased the economic benefits to the regional economy from these events taking place and demonstrates the attractiveness of Dumfries and Galloway as an events destination.”
