Tourism: Our 2030 Vision

Langholm will be viewed as an outstanding tourist destination combining natural assets, history and heritage in a way that attracts a wide range of visitors from all over the world.

Tourism is a vital part of Langholm’s economy and is a key theme within this plan. To take it forward in a sustainable fashion provides a great opportunity but also a challenge for the local community and the key players involved.

In order to achieve real change we need to improve our marketing (including online), continue to lobby key tourism agencies and support improvement to our services and infrastructure to ensure that Langholm is an attractive place for people to visit and stay.

To help us to do this we need to work with a range of other key players including local businesses, Dumfries and Galloway Council, visitor attractions and events, our elected representatives (Councillors, MSPs and our MP), Transport Scotland, and Visit Scotland.

Tourism: By 2022

Develop a Marketing Strategy

• Establish a brand identity for visit Langholm.
• Develop a fit for purpose website and social media presence.
• Lobby MSP to implement suitable road signage to help visitors find their destination.
• Implement a Visit Langholm Awareness Campaign at Carlisle Station and Airport.
• Work with Visit Scotland to fully develop and promote the A7 Historic Route from Carlisle to Edinburgh.
• Build a calendar of events.

Develop a Single Voice

A lead on activity related to Tourism Action Plans should initially be taken by The Langholm Alliance Committee. We will take in to account the views of business and local groups and residents. The group shall gather and review feedback and ideas via an email address and bi annual meetings.

Open for Business: Provision of services with regular opening hours

• A working group to be set up in partnership with the High Street Regeneration Group to explore how we can change the way some businesses currently deliver their services to the community and visitors.
• Identify where we have gaps in provision of services and the best way forward to fill these.
• Look at a revisit from the shop doctor to re-evaluate and support shops, cafes and hotels that could benefit from being given some direction on how to improve their opportunities.
• Identify where we have opportunities to fill vacant shops and business units and work with property owners to effectively market these units to prospective buyers and business start-ups through partnership working with SURF and all other relevant groups within the town.
• Work with the local high street business to implement the shop front improvement scheme via SURF and Dumfries and Galloway Council.