Networking session aims to grow Machars tourism

RESIDENTS in Whithorn have been invited to an exciting tourism networking event next week.

Co-hosted at the New Town Hall by the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership and the team from All Roads Lead to Whithorn, the ‘Growing Community Tourism in the Machars’ event will include interactive workshops aiming to generate ideas and connections that will help shape the future of tourism across the Machars.

Questions and themes on the day will include asking what makes visitors stop, stay and come back; how to support independent businesses and retain visitor spend; how to embed environmental sustainability; and opportunities for different sectors and services to work in partnership to make tourism a force for good.

Looking ahead to next week’s event Faith Hillier, the GSA Biosphere partnership’s community and education lead officer, said: “Community tourism offers local people the chance to centre local priorities in developing visitor experiences, channelling their knowledge and aspirations into creating a tourism offer which is economically viable, environmentally-friendly, and sustainable in the long term.

“Our Whithorn workshop is an exciting pilot where all voices will be heard and where our focus will be on identifying meaningful and achievable next steps.”

It will run from 11 am–3 pm on Friday June 26.