Inspiring wildlife talk at ADGAP AGM

Nov 18 2009 by kbarrSUN, Dumfries Standard Wednesday

THE HIGHLIGHT of the autumn meeting and AGM of the Association of Dumfries and Galloway Accommodation Providers, was an inspirational talk by council ranger Keith Kirk on the lesser known wildlife and the region’s beauty spots.

This talk was to help members promote the region better to their visitors.

The very well-attended meeting in the Douglas Arms in Castle Douglas on November 4 also featured trade stands including companies selling cleaning equipment, stationery, pest control, laundry services and on-line booking sytems: eDGe image, Sunlight Textile Services, Supercontrol Web solutions, Out of Eden, All-Out Pest Prevention, Murray Stewart Janitorial Supplies and Lyreco. VisitScotland, D and G Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses and Mountain Bike Business Network were also represented - which were very useful for members.

The meeting started with an update by indefatigable chairman Alan Keith on the new Quality Assurance Scheme being planned by VisitScotland, the new fire regulations and his attendance at the meetings of Scottish Tourism Forum.

The informal part of the meeting was followed by a delicious finger buffet and the AGM where it was unanimously decided to put the annual subscription up by £5 to £35/£40.

Everyone agreed this was extremely good value as members receive a presence on the www.visitsouthwestscotland.com website which includes late and seasonal availability, marketing (including a leaflet), a voice on Scottish Tourism Forum, VisitScotland discussions, bi-monthly newsletters and spring and autumn meetings.

These meetings (including lunch) are not only informative but fun and a great place to network with other Dumfries and Galloway accommodation providers.

Anyone interested in joining ADGAP should contact the membership secretary, Liz Chambers, on 01556 612896