Conference countdown

TICKETS are almost sold out for a conference this week which will focus on the region's tourism offering. This year's South of Scotland Destination Alliance conference will be held in Dumfries on Wednesday and feature insights from Outlander star Sam Heughan, pictured, and VisitScotland CEO Vicki Miller. They are the keynote speakers at the key annual event for tourism professionals and local business leaders looking to drive forward the region’s sustainable tourism strategy. Actor Sam, who is also the owner of the new Galloway Distillery, will join digitally from his latest film shoot to give exclusive insights into his plans in the South of Scotland and answer pre-collected audience questions. Founder of the Galloway Distillery, Graham Taylor, will join the panel too to explore opportunities in the North American market. Attendees will also hear from Vicki Miller, CEO of VisitScotland, speaking on Scotland’s global positioning, brand strength and the new opportunities emerging through regional economic investment. Other speakers will be Center Parcs UK chief corporate officer Raj Singh-Dehal, who will share the vision behind the recently approved first Scottish Center Parcs development in the Scottish Borders; Zakia Moulaoui, founder and CEO of award-winning social enterprise Invisible Cities; chair of the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions and general manager of The Real Mary King’s Close, Paul Nixon; and former international MTB racer Ross Adams, Cycling UK. There will also be panel discussions, interactive breakout sessions and networking opportunities. David Hope-Jones, CEO of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance, said: “Our annual conference is a vital gathering of tourism and hospitality businesses from across the South of Scotland, offering unique opportunities for businesses to inform SSDA’s strategy and engage with an inspiring programme of speakers and breakout sessions. “Our theme this year is Ambition, and our stellar line-up is a fitting reflection of that as we celebrate the incredible recent investment in our region."