Sandi Hellowell, south of Scotland regional director for VisitScotland for the past three years, is retiring this month.
The former teacher has fulfilled various roles in her 17 years in the industry, including managing the tourist information centres in Kelso and Melrose, and being a training co-ordinator for tourism businesses. Before taking up her current post, she was VisitScotland’s strategy and partnership executive, working with tourism partnerships following the demise of area tourist boards.
A farewell event for Ms Hellowell took place at VisitScotland’s Selkirk office on Tuesday when colleagues, Borders businesses and partners attended to wish her well and welcome her replacement, Paula McDonald.
Ms McDonald has 14 years of experience in the tourism industry, covering business development, sales, marketing and PR, and operations management.
Ms Hellowell told us: “Whilst I am officially taking a back seat, I shall continue to be an active ambassador for tourism.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with all partners in developing the business of tourism in the Scottish Borders and I passionately believe that the key to success is through a commitment to working together.
Riddell Graham, director of partnerships at VisitScotland and former boss of the now-defunct Scottish Borders Tourist Board, said: “We would like to thank Sandi for her excellent work in championing the cause of tourism throughout the south of Scotland and promoting the area’s unique strengths within our national marketing and partnership activity. We will be sorry to lose her.”