A collaboration has been launched to support tourism and hospitality across the Southern Scotland region through better connected – and more innovative use – of digital technology.

The strategic partnership between SSDA, a destination management and marketing organisation, and TTS is designed to help tourism and hospitality businesses recover from the impact of Covid-19 and grow sustainably in the coming months and years.

SSDA aims to attract more holidaymakers from Scotland, other parts of the UK and overseas to the Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway.

It will work on a range of initiatives across the region with TTS, which brings together traveltech organisations with Scotland’s tourism and hospitality sector to help the economy sustainably recover, rebuild and thrive. The partnership will focus on four specific areas it’s identified to stimulate recovery and growth.

The first of these is ‘Traveltech Collectives’ – offering members of the SSDA access to shared digital expertise and resources at an affordable price; the second is ‘accessing and using data for decision-making’ – working with Scottish universities to help tourism and hospitality organisations better understand and drill into useful tourism data.

The fourth is ‘innovation’, which will enable South of Scotland tourism businesses to safely experiment with new technologies such as NFTs, blockchain and others such as IoT and sensors. Lastly will be ‘access to online learning’ – SMEs can develop and enhance their customers’ journey via an interactive, practical online course which they can work on in their own time.

Ross McAuley, Chief Executive of the SSDA, said: “Travel and tourism is vital to economic growth across the South of Scotland, from coast to coast. Given the impact the pandemic has had on businesses of all sizes in this sector, and communities, good use of innovative digital technology has a major role to play in boosting sustainable recovery and future growth.

“By teaming up with Traveltech for Scotland, we’ll be offering our SSDA member businesses and individuals involved in tourism in the area access to a whole range of digital technology-related products and services in a straightforward and affordable way.

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Joshua Ryan-Saha, Traveltech for Scotland Director, said: “Over the last 20 years, digital technology has radically transformed tourism in the South of Scotland. However, too frequently we are playing catch-up or trying to make sure we don’t miss out on the next tool or platform.

“Innovation in tourism technology shouldn’t be the preserve of remote tech hubs. In partnership with the SSDA we will help Scotland’s tourism and hospitality businesses take bolder steps, being the first to use and innovate with new digital technologies.”

Jane Morrison-Ross, Chief Executive Officer of South of Scotland Enterprise, said: “At South of Scotland Enterprise, our vision is for our region to become a centre of opportunity, innovation and growth.

“With tourism worth over £600m per year to the South of Scotland, a vibrant and innovative tourism industry is key to this vision being achieved. This is why this new partnership between SSDA and Traveltech is such welcome news.

“SOSE remains committed to working with SSDA, alongside VisitScotland, Dumfries and Galloway and Scottish Borders councils, to support the South of Scotland to become a top tourist destination for visitors from Scotland, the UK and overseas.”

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