Tourism businesses showcase region

DUMFRIES and Galloway was well represented at Scotland’s flagship travel trade event, VisitScotland Connect 2026. Hotels, attractions, distilleries and tours took part, organised like a ‘speed dating’ experience, with appointments designed to spark new business relationships. Among the businesses that attended were The Annandale Group, encompassing Annandale Distillery, Globe Inn and the Henry Duncan Savings Bank Museum. Their representative, Zoey Darnbrough, said: “Attending VisitScotland Connect has helped me reach an incredible range of new markets. The breadth of buyers and operators attending - and having dedicated time to sit down and actually talk to them - is invaluable. “Across all three of our sites, we simply wouldn’t achieve the visitor numbers we see without engaging with the travel trade.” The Devil’s Porridge Museum was also in attendance supported by Museums Galleries Scotland, while Dark Skies Distillery were there, supported by Scotland Food and Drink. Other South of Scotland businesses attending, included River Tweed Trail, Gretna Green, Galloway Distillery and Cairndale Hotel and Spa. During the event week, VisitScotland hosts a programme of curated familiarisation trips to allow buyers to experience some of the visitor experiences, such as Moffat Distillery, Threave Garden, Caerlaverock Castle and Ernespie Farm. Visit Scotland’s destination development director Gordon Smith said: “Throughout the year, our teams work closely with domestic and international tour operators, travel advisors and agents. “VisitScotland Connect brings this work to life, giving South of Scotland tourism and events businesses access to buyers they may not otherwise reach. The connections made here continue long after the event ends.”