A new tourism strategy for Galloway Forest Park aims to establish the forest as an "outstanding visitor destination" according to Forestry Commission Scotland.

The strategy is the first ever dedicated tourism action plan for a Forest Park in the country and hopes to act as a driver for boosting the economy in the area. The end goal is to double the current visitor numbers to the forest park to a staggering 1.6 million each year by the end of 2015.

Galloway Forest Park is the Commission's largest forest park in Scotland covering an area equivalent to 100,000 football pitches. It is famous for being an uncrowded and peaceful place to go, rich in wildlife and stunning scenery.

Recreation in the park is a big draw for tourists too with 120 km of walking trails, 200km of cycling routes, hundreds of miles of open access for horseriders and all supported by three visitor centres. The strategy aims to pull together the tourism and business sectors to promote and enhance all these assets whilst building in links with health and well-being.

The strategy has a detailed action plan which covers a host of marketing activities to promote the Park's facilities and to build up services for visitors. Forestry Commission Scotland will also be monitoring visitor numbers through surveys and counters at the main recreation sites.

Full details of the tourism strategy can be found at www.forestry.gov.uk/gallowaytourismstrategy