A workshop will be held next week to road map the future of community tourism projects in the Garnock Valley.

Led by SCOTO, the community tourism network for Scotland, Press Pause will be held on Thursday, February 15 at the Eglinton Inn, Beith, from 5.30-9pm.

Funded by ARIA, this workshop aims to explore community-led tourism initiatives across the area and brainstorm ways to improve not only tourism but also business prospects in the Garnock Valley.

The workshop offers a unique opportunity for local community groups and businesses to collaboratively assess current tourism within the Valley.

The "Press Pause" method has been successfully administered in various communities and enables participants to evaluate what's working well, identify challenges, and envision improvements within the context of community tourism.

SCOTO, with its expertise in community tourism, then tailors recommendations based on the workshop's outcomes.

This valuable insight helps communities reconsider the role of tourism whilst addressing local priorities, seizing opportunities, and ensuring a positive impact for not just Garnock Valley businesses, but residents as well.

Key aspects covered during the workshop will include discussing current and desired visitor demographics, leveraging local assets for development, addressing destination competence, and establishing a distinctive brand for the Garnock Valley.

Attendees will also delve into managing visitor expectations, enhancing promotional efforts, and measuring the local impact of tourism on areas such as job creation, youth retention, and support for local producers and artists.

Facilitating the workshop is Carron Tobin from SCOTO, a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in community tourism throughout Scotland.

Tobin's expertise will challenge perceptions and draw on examples from diverse experiences to guide discussions on shaping tourism to enhance the overall quality of life in the Garnock Valley.

All community groups and business owners in the Garnock Valley are invited to come along and help shape a path going forward for the future of the area.

Refreshments will be provided and registration and attendance is completely free. To register visit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSepXA5eOMIemFzNERNvyshv3jYaI39GV_ilLfWs0kQKZ1FGHA/viewform