Impact of SSDA
We are growing and reaching more visitors than ever before, our Scotland Starts Here impact in the last month is:
members of ssda
Social Media followers
Pieces of press coverage
press & media reach
people engaged with SSDA events or training
Join Scotland’s Fastest Growing Destination Marketing Organisation
Scotland Starts Here is our consumer facing brand, with half a million website visitors, over 25,500 app users, over 85,000 social media followers and a total reach of over 2.4 million.
By joining SSDA you will be listed on Scotland Starts Here and be part of an inclusive, supportive network which is powering the South of Scotland’s visitor economy.
SSDA is supported by the South of Scotland Economic Enterprise (SOSE)
How The SSDA Supports The Region
Membership of SSDA will bring a host of tangible benefits to individual businesses, local marketing groups, suppliers, events, and social enterprises. As a member you will benefit from:
PLACE BRAND MARKETING
Putting the South of Scotland on the map through ‘Scotland Starts Here’ and driving a sustainable increase in visitors to the area. This is done through the SSH Website, app and social media channels, as well as dedicated marketing campaigns and collaborative marketing campaigns with partners.
DIGITAL IMPROVEMENT
The SSDA helps businesses engage with their customers more effectively, improving customer communications, meeting evolving consumer expectation, and reaching audiences more effectively, with excellent online visibility and bookability.
INDUSTRY REPRESENTATION
The SSDA represents the industry at the highest levels with local and national government; it has a direct voice and real influence. The network also represents the South of Scotland at travel trade conferences, expos and events across the UK.
BUSINESS AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Fulfil business potential through innovation, collaboration, creativity, and diversification. We regularly run workshops and host local networking events to support businesses.
Join The SSDA Today
Membership of the SSDA is open to all tourism, hospitality and leisure businesses
and organisations across the South of Scotland.
Our Work Right Now
The SSDA is a small team of five staff members, working passionately to promote and develop the South of Scotland as a leading tourism destination, and to support hundreds of businesses and communities across our visitor economy. See exactly what we’re working on at any time. Explore our live mind-map shows the 50 different projects we’re actively driving forwards on right now, and watch monthly five-minute update videos by our CEO.
Our Bespoke Members
Our Latest News
The latest news from across the South of Scotland.
South of Scotland Thistle Awards returns to celebrate tourism stars
The 12 winners of the region’s second annual Thistle Awards who will go on to represent the South of Scotland at the national Scottish Thistle Awards in November. Photo: Phil[…]
Read more
Experience Design Workshops
River Tweed Trail – would you like to attract more active visitors?Do you have an idea for a new product, service or experience for walkers or cyclists? Ensure you’re ready[…]
Read more
Food & Drink Multi Stakeholder Roundtable
Further strengthening the South of Scotland’s food and drink offering is a priority within the Responsible Tourism Strategy. On the 29th August 2024, the SSDA convened a roundtable meeting bringing[…]
Read more
Stranraer Oyster Festival shortlisted in BBC Food and Farming Awards
BBC Food and Farming Awards 2024 finalists announced. Great to see Scottish companies across the board as well as those in the Scotland-specific category. Huge congratulations to Stranraer Oyster Festival[…]
Read more
River Tweed Trail Business Support
Do you have a new business idea or want to grow your business to make the most of the opportunities around the River Tweed Trail? There are free resources, tools,[…]
Read more
The River Tweed Trail Tourism Business Engagement Action Plan
The River Tweed Trail Tourism Business Engagement role is funded by the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund. We have developed an Action Plan to undertake activity over the coming months[…]
Read more
