The number of tourists being attracted to Dumfries and Galloway through major festivals and events is still falling well short of the agreed target.
A huge amount of effort and investment is going into drawing visitors from all over world and big name events, such as the UCI Paracycling World Road Championships and Ice Hockey World Championship, were expected to bring large crowds that would boost the local economy.
Dumfries and Galloway Council has set a target of attracting 37,500 new visitors to funded events within its events strategy. In 2022/23, just over half of the target was met as 18,900 people were recorded, while last year the numbers improved – but still fell 9,000 short.
The figures have been revealed in a neighbourhood service plan annual performance report for April 2023-March 2024, which is due to be tabled at Annandale and Eskdale area committee next week.
While targets are being met in all other areas, such as customer service centre visits and satisfaction levels, council chiefs have placed a red alert in the events tourism category.
The report states: “The number of unique visitors i.e., non-residents, attracted to Dumfries and Galloway in financial year 2023/24 to attend funded events within our events strategy, including the World Paracycling Championships, World Championship Ice Hockey in Dumfries and the Summer of Cycling Programme was 28,440.
“This figure is nearly 10,000 up on the corresponding figure for financial year 22/23, whilst it remains below the council target of 37,500 people – a pre-covid pandemic target.
“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.