We are the industry-led Destination Management and Marketing Organisation (DMMO) for the Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway.
Formed to unite the region from coast to coast, the SSDA brings together local tourism, hospitality, and leisure businesses to build a thriving, year-round visitor economy. Our main purpose is to transform the South from a region people simply drive through into a top-tier, "must-visit" destination in its own right.
We showcase the area's rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture to national and international visitors through our consumer-facing brand, Scotland Starts Here—spanning a dedicated website, app, and targeted marketing campaigns.
At the heart of our work is the region’s 10-year Responsible Tourism Strategy. Guided by this vision, we aim to significantly boost visitor spend, strengthen local supply chains, and create thousands of sustainable jobs across our communities, ensuring the South prospers.