The Beautiful South: Scotland’s culture scoops top travel award
THE south of Scotland has been named one of the best places in the world to visit by a renowned travel guide.
Lonely Planet publishes its “Best in Travel” list every year, recommending places around the world in various categories.
For 2023 it has named the south as one of the best educational places to visit, alongside Manchester, New Mexico, Dresden, El Salvador and Marseille.
Organisers say the region’s history and culture make it the ideal place for delving into the past to learn more about iconic figures such as Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott.
Burns, Scotland’s national poet, was born in Alloway, South Ayrshire and in later years lived in and around Dumfries.
His house in the city, where he died aged 37, is now a museum.
Scott, one of the nation’s most famous literary exports, had his Abbotsford country estate built near Galashiels, living there between 1817 and 1825.
Responding to the south of Scotland’s inclusion Tourism Minister Ivan Mckee said: “Scotland is one of the world’s most iconic destinations, with diverse and varied regions to be explored.
“The inclusion of the south of Scotland in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2023, only highlights this rich diversity.
“This recognition will put the south of Scotland on the map for more foreign and domestic visitors and encourage them to stay longer and spend more, as they sustainably explore and discover the region’s historical, cultural and natural attractions.
“This will contribute to supporting the recovery of the tourism and hospitality sector.”
Other destinations included on the list include Umbria in Italy for eating, Jamaica to unwind and Istanbul to Sofia has been named one of the greatest journeys on the planet.
Malcolm Roughead, Visitscotland Chief Executive, said: “There are a wealth of fantastic experiences, stunning scenery and natural assets to discover in the South of Scotland, from its dark skies that make it the ideal location for star gazing to its breath-taking coastline and worldrenowned walking and cycling routes.
“Scotland’s history, heritage and culture is what defines the country for many people, and one of the top reasons for visiting. The south of Scotland has close ties to some of our country’s most iconic literary figures and is home to many historical assets and attractions that offer visitors the opportunity to learn more about our fascinating country by delving into the past.
“To be included in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2023 guide is a fantastic accolade for the south of Scotland and will help provide a welcome boost to the recovery of our valuable tourism industry by connecting with visitors from across the world and encourage them to explore the region more widely.
“Tourism is a force for good. It creates jobs, sustains communities and contributes significantly to the economy.”
Melanie Allen, Interim Chief Executive of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance and member of the newly-created Scottish Tourism Industry Leadership Group, said: “To be included in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2023 guide is a momentous accolade for the south of Scotland, particularly as the region is the perfect place to immerse yourself amongst the history and culture of our stunning places, landscapes and wide open spaces. This news will be an enormous boost to our tourism and hospitality sectors, we are working closely with businesses and communities to showcase the very best of the region through our regional brand: Scotland Starts Here
“And what better year for the south of Scotland to capture the world’s attention than 2023, when we’re set to launch our incredible Coast to Coast cycle route, linking through sustainable travel, from Stranraer in the west with Eyemouth in the east?
“I am sure that with our warm hospitality, the south of Scotland will become a magnet for visitors who wish to stay a while to learn about our fascinating heritage, with some of the most fabulous places to eat and drink that Scotland has to offer.”
Professor Russel Griggs, South of Scotland Enterprise’s Chair, said: “It is no surprise to those of us who live and work in the south of Scotland to see our fantastic region included in the internationally recognised Lonely Planet travel guide.
“While it continues to be a difficult time for the tourism industry, accolades such as this highlight the strength of the South of Scotland as a destination which offers so much to visitors.”
He added: “There are a huge number of exciting events coming up in 2023, and working alongside our local and national partners, we are optimistic that the south of Scotland can attract even more visitors to stay, spend and enjoy our wonderful region.”
This news will be an enormous boost to our tourism