Borders Tourist Association : Invitation to register for Forum

In a Scottish Borders Population of 109,000, there are approx 1000 tourist related businesses. There remains in the Borders, even in this period of “devolved centralisation” - a strong sense of (mostly unspoken) community spirit - which manifests itself in the very competitive way over 730 sporting clubs and associations compete against each other and out with the Region.

Tourists are attracted to the Borders for many reasons, family history, scenery, sport, peace and quiet, festivals, business and aye, “just passing through and thought it was really nice”...

Above all, the main feature of the Borders is the Borderers, that Group of Very Lucky People living in a unique region of the British Isles with its own turbulent history, dialect(s) and outlook on life. Informal and friendly in a quiet country way.

Identity is under pressure from centralised government bodies who see economy on focussing resource and covering local shortfall by making use of the IT revolution. This may affect local, personalised, tourist/business contact.

There may be a need to assess the benefit of a locally run and accountable Borders Tourist Association. Perhaps co-operatively run with a clear non-profit and democratic basis :-

• Database of local tourist businesses
• Network of Information
• Lobbying for local Border Tourism issues
• Assisting Innovation
• Promoting The Borders from the Inside  - Out 
• Registered Forum