Press release -

VisitScotland statement in response to Crichton Hall investment

In response to the plans to transform Crichton Hall in Dumfries into a destinational hotel and spa, VisitScotland Regional Leadership Director, Paula Ward, said: “The development of a luxury spa hotel in Dumfries & Galloway is fantastic news for the region which will contribute towards its fast-developing reputation as the destination of choice for informed travellers. Visitors to Dumfries & Galloway are attracted to the beautiful scenery, wide open spaces, clean, fresh air and magnificent dark skies. The addition of a luxury spa hotel is the perfect fit for the region and represents a real commitment to growing the region’s tourism offering.

“The hotel industry in Scotland has seen a remarkable level of investment in recent months, as the sector takes advantage of the opportunities presented by rising visitor numbers. Our reputation as a quality destination relies on continued investment and innovation to ensure that current provision meets future demand. This investment by Fonab Ltd recognises the unique and incredible setting which has become available within the Crichton Estate in Dumfries. Fonab Castle Hotel & Spa in Perthshire was recently awarded five star gold status in VisitScotland’s Quality Assurance Scheme for excelling guest expectations at every level. We look forward to working closely with the new General Manager and team in Dumfries in this new venture and ambition to create a quality hotel, and a place beyond ordinary.

“This is a very exciting time for tourism in the South of Scotland. Tourism is more than a holiday experience – it is the heartbeat of the Scottish economy and touches every community, generating income, jobs and social change.”

Topics

  • Tourism

Categories

  • dumfries & galloway
  • corporate communications

Regions

  • Scotland

Notes to Editors

  • Follow us on twitter: @visitscotnews
  • VisitScotland is Scotland’s national tourism organisation. Its core purpose is to maximise the economic benefit of tourism to Scotland.
  • The organisation’s core objective is to contribute to the Tourism 2020 Strategy ambition of growing tourism revenues by £1 billion by 2020.
  • This will be supported by five overarching strategies: Marketing, Events, Quality and Sustainability, Inclusive Tourism, International Engagement.
  • The organisation employs 700 people and has offices and VisitScotland Information Centres across Scotland.
  • Spending by tourists in Scotland generates around £12 billion of economic activity in the wider Scottish supply chain and contributes around £6 billion to Scottish GDP (in basic prices). This represents about 5% of total Scottish GDP
  • For VisitScotland’s press releases go to http://www.visitscotland.org/media_centre.aspx, tourism statistics and frequently asked questions go to http://www.visitscotland.org/
  • Where possible, a Gaelic speaker will be made available for broadcast interviews on request (Far an tèid iarraidh, agus far am bheil sin nar comas, bruidhinnidh neach le Gàidhlig aig agallamh)
  • For holiday information on Scotland go to www.visitscotland.com
  • For information about business tourism in Scotland go to www.conventionscotland.com

Scotland’s Themed Years

  • Following an industry consultation, the Themed Years will now take place every second year to enable more time for planning and opportunities for collaboration.
  • 2020 has been designated as a year in which Scotland’s Coasts and Waters will be showcased and celebrated with a programme of activity designed to support the nation’s tourism and events sectors.
  • The year, led by VisitScotland will sustain and build upon the momentum of Scotland’s preceding Themed Years to spotlight, celebrate and promote opportunities to experience and enjoy Scotland’s unrivalled Coasts and Waters, encouraging responsible engagement and participation from the people of Scotland and our visitors.
  • A year-long programme of events, activities and ideas will shine a spotlight on the impact our waters have had on Scotland, from the formation of beautiful natural features to the creation of our national drink – whisky.
  • Join the conversation using #YCW2020
  • 2022 will be the Year of Scotland’s Stories - a celebration of our rich literature, film, oral traditions and myths and legends.

Contacts

Amelia Whittaker

Press contact Senior Corporate Press Officer - Regional Contact for media enquiries on: South Region; Edinburgh and Lothians; Food and Drink; Scottish Thistle Awards 01750 723806