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The Dumfries and Galloway Gift Card can be spent with over 80 businesses in the region, including accommodation provider Marthrown of Mabie. Pam Hazlehurst is the owner of the business and said:
“We took over the business 16 years ago, which used to be an outdoors education centre, and changed the focus to tourism. Located in Mabie Forest, we have four camping yurts, a tipi and the crowning glory is our Celtic iron-age roundhouse. Only a short drive from Dumfries, we offer the chance for people to truly relax and unwind, with views over the Solway Coast and the hills of the Lake District. There’s also a wild camping area, covered bbq area, fire pit, hot tub and sauna and a low ropes course.
“The pandemic changed tourism hugely. One of the first things we noticed was how much people wanted to have a break and enjoy the outdoors. But we also noticed that people are less happy to share facilities. We adapted our bunkhouses into self-contained cottages for one family or party, giving them their own kitchen, shower and toilet, and their own space. Our next big job is adding in solar panels.
The Dumfries and Galloway Gift Card is a brilliant way to attract tourists to visit this part of Scotland
“I think the Dumfries and Galloway Gift Card is a brilliant way to attract tourists to visit this part of Scotland, only an hour from Carlisle. It’s a forgotten piece of coastline and tends to be much quieter. We used to live in the South Lakes and would visit Dumfries and Galloway for our own holidays. There is so much to do, with some very good visitor attractions like the Galloway National Park, Caerlaverock Castle and Dalscone Farm. The area has beautiful beaches too, and lots of breweries that offer tours.
“Post pandemic, we need to do all that we can to boost tourism and that’s why we joined the Dumfries and Galloway Gift Card. Encouraging people to try your business for the first time is often the hardest part and the gift card can give them that nudge to explore the area and try something new. We find that when people visit Marthrown of Mabie, maybe for a wedding or as part of a group trip, they love the experience and want to return.
“People can use their Dumfries and Galloway Gift Card on a place to stay, a bite to eat and in local attractions and shops. It can be spent on pretty much anything during their holiday to Dumfries and Galloway. It’s also a good way to encourage collaboration between businesses. If we don’t work together, and we don’t support our local businesses, we’ll lose them.”
