A NEW team has been selected to help promote tourism in the region.

The Scottish Borders Tourism Partnership (SBTP) has picked a management committee in a bid to attract more visitors to the area.

Will Haegeland of the County Hotel in Selkirk and the Grapevine restaurant in Galashiels has taken on the role as chairman, and he wants to ensure the Borders continues to outperform other areas in Scotland in terms of industry growth.

He said: “This is an exciting time for Scottish Borders tourism. More and more people are coming here – and loving what they find. In turn, the region is changing and businesses are evolving as we better understand how to increase the value of the visitor economy.

“As a group, the SBTP is focused on bringing the sector together so that collectively we create a stronger voice for the region and firmly put the Scottish Borders on the map as a major visitor destination. 

“Myself and the new management committee are relishing the opportunity this brings.”

The partnership was established in 2005 and aims to help boost tourism by reviewing local strategy, raising awareness of opportunities and issues in the region, supporting development projects and forging partnerships with neighbouring areas to boost tourism networks.

Vice-chair of the group John Henderson from Born in the Borders added: “The level of engagement with local businesses since our conference earlier in the year has been fantastic.

“We’re already seeing refreshing new initiatives like the Scottish Borders Sightseeing Bus Tour coming to the region and we know there’s new project launches and business news in the pipeline. 

“Now is the time to really get behind what’s happening in local tourism as we realise its potential and build a thriving industry.”

For more information about getting involved with the SBTP, visit www.scottishborderstourismpartnership or www.facebook.com/ScottishBordersTourism Partnership