A leading figure in the region’s tourism industry believes the Stewartry is in line for a “boom” now that coronavirus restrictions are easing.
From Monday, accommodation providers will be allowed to welcome guests for the first time this year, with pubs, restaurants and non-essential shops open.
And Chris Walker, chairman of tourism body Visit South West Scotland, believes people are desperate to come to the region now that they are allowed to travel.
Mr Walker, who runs the Selkirk Arms in Kirkcudbright, said: “We are all ready to reopen and I think we are going to see a boom over the next few months.
“A lot of the self-catering people I have spoken to say they have good occupancy up until the middle of September.
“Locals don’t need to be concerned about people coming into the area as all the businesses that are opening will be following the rules.
“Self-catering are only allowed to accept single families.
“We need to get ready to welcome people back to the area.
“People are keen to get away and what we’re seeing so far is mainly couples, particularly elderly people, who want to travel again.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed on Tuesday plans to proceed with the latest steps on the Scottish Government’s timetable to easing coronavirus restrictions.
That means from Monday hotels and holiday cottages can reopen along with shops and tourism attractions. Pubs and restaurants can also operate under restrictions.
Alcohol can be served outside to up to six people from six different households until 10pm. Six people from two households can be served inside, although alcohol is not permitted.
Monday will also see the end of travel bans between Scotland and the rest of the UK.
Mr Walker added: “It looks like we’re going to have a good season. Forward bookings for the first couple of weeks are a bit patchy as there is the no alcohol issue, but June, July and August are looking good.
“It is good now that people can travel and also from England.
“We are taking bookings from there but making them aware they can’t have alcohol inside just now.”
