Nationwide Geographic highlighted the area’s out of doors enchantment, together with the brand new Scottish Darkish Sky Observatory, a coastal climbing path and mountain biking routes, with the realm getting ready to host the opening leg of the 2027 Tour de France.
The popularity follows related reward from Lonely Planet, which included the South of Scotland in its Better of Journey 2027 listing.
An 83-mile coastal path across the Rhins of Galloway opened final yr, providing views of lighthouses, wildlife and historic ruins.
The area can be a vacation spot for dark-sky tourism. Galloway Forest Park grew to become the UK’s first Worldwide Darkish Sky Park in 2009 and holds Gold Tier standing. A brand new Scottish Darkish Sky Observatory is deliberate for Clatteringshaws.
The observatory and wider regional sights have helped construct momentum following the first-ever South of Scotland Darkish Sky Pageant.
Dumfries and Galloway has acquired worldwide recognition earlier than. The broader South of Scotland featured in Lonely Planet’s Finest in Journey 2023 listing, whereas Nationwide Geographic Traveller’s Cool Record 2024 included the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere, highlighting its pure heritage and sustainable tourism work.
David Hope-Jones OBE, chief govt of the South of Scotland Vacation spot Alliance, mentioned: “That is fantastic recognition for Dumfries & Galloway and for the individuals who make it such a particular place to go to.
“It displays the power, creativity and onerous work of tourism companies and communities throughout the area.
“With the Tour de France coming to the South of Scotland subsequent yr and the brand new Scottish Darkish Sky Observatory on the horizon, there’s a actual sense of momentum.
“Nationwide Geographic’s recognition offers us a unprecedented alternative to introduce Dumfries & Galloway to new audiences world wide.
“We need to flip that highlight into lasting advantages for our communities, inspiring extra individuals to go to all year long, keep longer and uncover all the things this exceptional a part of Scotland has to supply.”
Councillor Stephen Thompson, chief of Dumfries and Galloway Council, mentioned: “To be recognised by Nationwide Geographic as one of many world’s finest locations for 2027, and because the solely vacation spot in Scotland or the UK on the listing, is a singular honour for Dumfries and Galloway.
“This recognition celebrates what makes our area so particular: excellent landscapes, darkish skies, shoreline, biking and strolling routes, and the nice and cozy welcome provided by our communities and tourism companies.
“It is usually a major alternative to lift Dumfries and Galloway’s worldwide profile, strengthen our customer economic system and encourage extra individuals to find all the things the area has to supply.
“I want to congratulate everybody whose onerous work has helped earn this well-deserved international recognition.”